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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center.

Frequently asked questions about Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center?

   Mailing address:

   Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center
   1393 Rte O
   Fulton, MO 65251
   Phone: (573) 592-4040

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: 12:00 AM – 1:30 PM
   • 2:30 – 6:30 PM
   • 9:30 PM – 12:00 AM
   • Sunday: 12:00 AM – 1:30 PM
   • 2:30 – 6:30 PM
   • 9:30 PM – 12:00 AM

5. What are the visiting hours at Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center?

   Visiting hours at Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 (573) 592-4040 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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 Fulton Reception and Diagnostic 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

Digital communication serves as a cornerstone of maintaining family connections at Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center, where residents can send and receive email through computer tablets provided by the facility. The center participates in Missouri’s digital mail system, where all personal correspondence is processed through a centralized Digital Mail Center in Tampa, Florida, then scanned and delivered electronically to residents’ media players. This modern approach to mail handling ensures that residents can stay connected with their support networks while maintaining security protocols.

As a reception and diagnostic facility, the center typically focuses on comprehensive assessment and classification services that may include psychological evaluations, educational testing, and medical screenings to determine appropriate placement and programming needs. The facility often provides orientation programs to help new residents understand institutional procedures and available resources. Educational services may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs, while vocational training opportunities could encompass various trade skills depending on facility capacity and partnerships with local educational providers.

Counseling and support services at the center may include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and reentry preparation services. The facility often offers religious services and recreational activities to support residents’ overall well-being during their stay. Given its role in the intake process, staff typically work to identify individual needs and develop appropriate programming recommendations that will guide residents’ placement within the broader Missouri correctional system.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with family and friends forms a central part of the routine for individuals at Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center, with residents able to send and receive messages through computer tablets provided by the facility. The Missouri Department of Corrections implemented a digital mail system in July 2022, meaning all personal correspondence is now processed through a Digital Mail Center in Tampa, Florida, where letters are scanned and delivered electronically to residents’ media players. This system typically allows individuals to access their mail, photos, and drawings throughout the day during designated tablet time, helping maintain crucial connections with their support networks during their stay at the facility.

The reception and diagnostic process at Fulton often involves structured daily schedules that may include medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and classification interviews to determine appropriate placement within the Missouri correctional system. Residents generally follow established routines that typically include meal times, recreation periods, and educational or program activities, though individual schedules may vary based on their specific assessment needs. The facility commonly provides basic amenities and services standard to Missouri Department of Corrections facilities, which may include access to commissary, library services, and recreational opportunities when not participating in evaluation processes.

For families seeking to maintain contact, the digital mail system requires specific addressing protocols, with correspondence sent to the Tampa processing center and delivered electronically within the facility. Mail typically must not exceed 10 items per envelope and should contain dedicated materials that can be easily scanned, such as letters, postcards, and photographs. The facility may also offer other communication options common to Missouri correctional facilities, such as phone calls during designated hours and video visitation services, helping residents maintain important relationships while completing the reception and diagnostic process before transfer to their designated long-term facility.