How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Frank Lee Youth Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Frank Lee Youth Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Frank Lee Youth Center.

Frequently asked questions about Frank Lee Youth Center

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Frank Lee Youth Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Frank Lee Youth Center?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Frank Lee Youth Center?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Frank Lee Youth Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Frank Lee Youth Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Frank Lee Youth Center?

   Mailing address:

   Frank Lee Youth Center
   5305 Ingram Rd
   Deatsville, AL 36022
   Phone: (334) 290-3200

5. What are the visiting hours at Frank Lee Youth Center?

   Visiting hours at Frank Lee Youth Center vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (334) 290-3200 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Frank Lee Youth Center?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Frank Lee Youth Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Frank Lee Youth Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Frank Lee Youth Center through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Frank Lee Youth Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Frank Lee Youth Center, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Frank Lee Youth Center?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Frank Lee Youth Center for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Frank Lee Youth Center, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Personal transformation through structured rehabilitation forms the cornerstone of therapeutic intervention at Frank Lee Work Release, where inmates engage in comprehensive services designed to address the multifaceted challenges of successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes developing practical life skills alongside addressing underlying behavioral patterns, creating a foundation for sustainable personal growth. Through carefully coordinated programming, participants typically engage in sequential learning experiences that build upon one another, fostering both immediate skill acquisition and long-term behavioral change.

Educational services often include foundational literacy instruction, vocational training opportunities, and career readiness preparation that may provide inmates with marketable skills essential for employment upon release. These learning environments typically emphasize hands-on application of knowledge, allowing participants to develop both technical competencies and professional workplace behaviors. Furthermore, the educational component often incorporates cognitive skill development, helping inmates strengthen critical thinking abilities and decision-making processes that contribute to more effective problem-solving in various life circumstances.

The facility's support services framework typically encompasses work release opportunities that allow qualified inmates to maintain employment while completing their sentences, alongside faith-based programming that may provide spiritual guidance and community connection. Housing assistance services often help participants develop transition plans for stable living arrangements, while community service components typically enable inmates to contribute meaningfully to local organizations and develop a sense of civic responsibility. These interconnected services work collectively to address the practical, emotional, and social dimensions of successful reentry, supporting inmates as they develop the comprehensive skill set necessary for sustained community integration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The dormitory-style housing units at Frank Lee Work Release create a communal living environment where inmates now adapt to shared spaces and structured routines that revolve around their community employment obligations. Inmates regularly navigate between the controlled facility environment and their workplace responsibilities, maintaining a careful balance between institutional requirements and the increased freedoms that work release programs typically provide. The transition from traditional incarceration to this semi-structured setting requires inmates to develop greater personal responsibility while still adhering to facility rules and schedules.

Living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing where inmates share sleeping quarters and common areas, fostering an environment where residents must develop interpersonal skills and mutual respect. The dining arrangements typically involve scheduled meal times in a communal dining hall, where inmates gather before and after their work shifts to share meals that are prepared by facility staff or contracted food services. Personal property allowances may include basic clothing, hygiene items, and limited personal belongings, while commissary services provide access to additional food items, toiletries, and communication supplies that help inmates maintain connections with their families and prepare for their eventual reintegration into the community.

Furthermore, recreational opportunities often include television viewing areas, outdoor exercise spaces, and organized activities that provide structure during non-working hours. Although work schedules vary depending on each inmate's community employment, the facility typically maintains visiting hours and telephone privileges that allow families to maintain regular contact and support their loved one's transition process. Communication options generally include monitored phone calls and correspondence, while some facilities may offer video visitation services to accommodate families who cannot visit in person, helping to strengthen the family bonds that are essential for successful reentry into society.