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 Franklin County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Franklin County Jail 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 Franklin County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Franklin County Jail

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 Franklin County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Franklin County Jail?

   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 Franklin County Jail?

   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 Franklin County Jail. 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 Franklin County Jail. 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 Franklin County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Franklin County Jail
   403 E Main St
   Benton, IL 62812
   Phone: (618) 439-9553

5. What are the visiting hours at Franklin County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Franklin County Jail 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 (618) 439-9553 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 Franklin County Jail?

   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 Franklin County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Franklin County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Franklin County Jail 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 Franklin County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Franklin County Jail, 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 Franklin County Jail?

   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 Franklin County Jail 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 Franklin County Jail, 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 growth and skill development form the cornerstone of the rehabilitative approach at Franklin County Jail in Illinois. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive framework that addresses both immediate needs and long-term reentry success through carefully structured services. This philosophy recognizes that meaningful change occurs when inmates have access to diverse opportunities for learning, healing, and professional development during their incarceration.

Educational services often include basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities that help inmates build foundational academic skills. Also, vocational programs may provide hands-on training in culinary arts, allowing participants to develop marketable skills while contributing to facility operations. These educational and vocational services typically focus on practical skill-building that directly translates to employment opportunities upon release, creating pathways for sustainable reintegration into the community.

Support services frequently encompass work release programs that enable eligible inmates to maintain employment connections while serving their sentences. Also, the facility may provide trauma-informed care and mental health treatment services that address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior. These therapeutic services often include individual counseling, group therapy sessions, and specialized treatment programs designed to support emotional healing and behavioral change. The integration of vocational programs with mental health support typically creates a holistic approach to rehabilitation that addresses both practical and psychological aspects of successful reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the secure walls and reinforced doors, inmates at Franklin County Jail navigate a highly structured environment designed around routine and supervision. Today typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by consistently scheduled activities that provide framework for institutional life. The facility operates on a regimented schedule that generally includes designated times for meals, recreation, and programming throughout the day.

Living accommodations usually consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates adapt to limited personal space and communal living arrangements. Each housing area typically provides basic amenities including beds, storage areas for approved personal items, and shared bathroom facilities. Also, inmates generally have access to commissary services where they may purchase approved items to supplement their daily needs. However, personal property remains strictly regulated, with facility staff conducting regular inspections to maintain security protocols.

The facility typically provides various structured programming schedules that may include educational opportunities, work assignments, and recreational activities. Inmates often participate in facility maintenance duties, kitchen operations, or other institutional jobs that help maintain daily operations. Also, visitation policies generally allow for scheduled family contact, while communication options typically include monitored phone calls and correspondence. However, these privileges usually operate within specific guidelines designed to maintain facility security while supporting family connections during incarceration.