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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center.

Frequently asked questions about Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center?

   Mailing address:

   Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center
   18000 Institution Rd
   San Bernardino, CA 92407
   Phone: (909) 708-8371

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Thursday: 6:45 AM – 3:15 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center?

   Visiting hours at Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 (909) 708-8371 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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 Glen Helen Rehabilitation 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

Working in conjunction with the courts and the Judicial Council, Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center operates a comprehensive Work Release program that allows qualifying sentenced inmates to complete specified classes while incarcerated and potentially earn early release to reestablish family ties and return to employment. This court-directed program represents a key component of the facility's rehabilitation approach, focusing on successful community reintegration for both male and female inmates serving county commitments.

The facility typically provides educational programming that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities designed to enhance employment prospects upon release. Inmates often have access to substance abuse counseling programs, anger management classes, and life skills workshops that address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior. Mental health services are commonly available, which may include individual counseling, group therapy sessions, and psychiatric care for those with diagnosed conditions.

Additional support services at Glen Helen may encompass library access for legal research and personal development, recreational activities that promote physical wellness, and religious services for various faith communities. The facility often coordinates with community organizations to provide job placement assistance and transitional support services. Medical care is typically provided on-site, including routine healthcare, medication management, and emergency medical services. These comprehensive programs work together to address the diverse needs of the inmate population while preparing individuals for successful reentry into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 9-acre Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center operates with structured visiting hours Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, providing inmates with regular opportunities to maintain family connections. With separate housing facilities for male and female inmates, the center accommodates both pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals serving county commitments. The facility's dormitory-style housing units typically house inmates in shared living spaces, while maximum security units provide more restrictive accommodations for those requiring higher levels of supervision.

Inmates at Glen Helen may participate in various rehabilitative programs designed to prepare them for successful reintegration into the community. The facility's Work Release program allows qualifying sentenced inmates to take specified classes while incarcerated, and upon completion, eligible individuals may be released before their maximum sentence to reestablish family ties and return to employment. This graduated approach often helps inmates transition back to their communities while still serving their sentences under court supervision.

The center's daily operations typically include structured meal times, recreational periods, and program participation opportunities. Inmates generally follow established schedules that may include work assignments, educational activities, or treatment programs depending on their classification and sentence status. With separate facilities for male and female inmates and varying security levels from minimum to maximum, the center adapts daily routines to meet the diverse needs of its population while maintaining safety and security standards.