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 Goodhue County Adult Detention.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Goodhue County Adult Detention 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 Goodhue County Adult Detention.

Frequently asked questions about Goodhue County Adult Detention

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 Goodhue County Adult Detention.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Goodhue County Adult Detention?

   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 Goodhue County Adult Detention?

   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 Goodhue County Adult Detention. 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 Goodhue County Adult Detention. 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 Goodhue County Adult Detention?

   Mailing address:

   Goodhue County Adult Detention
   430 W 6th St
   Red Wing, MN 55066
   Phone: (651) 267-2825

5. What are the visiting hours at Goodhue County Adult Detention?

   Visiting hours at Goodhue County Adult Detention 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 (651) 267-2825 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 Goodhue County Adult Detention?

   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 Goodhue County Adult Detention for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Goodhue County Adult Detention?

   You can send money to an inmate at Goodhue County Adult Detention 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 Goodhue County Adult Detention?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Goodhue County Adult Detention, 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 Goodhue County Adult Detention?

   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 Goodhue County Adult Detention 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 Goodhue County Adult Detention, 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

Building skills and preparing for successful reentry begins with comprehensive opportunities designed to address multiple aspects of personal development. The facility typically emphasizes a structured approach that combines practical training with therapeutic support. Those incarcerated may access various offerings that focus on developing both professional capabilities and personal responsibility through meaningful engagement.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of available opportunities, with education programs that may include basic literacy, GED preparation, and continuing education options. Furthermore, vocational training offerings often provide hands-on experience in trades and technical skills that align with local employment markets. These programs typically emphasize practical application and skill development that can translate directly into post-release employment opportunities.

Daily operations often include work assignments that contribute to facility maintenance while building valuable experience. Those incarcerated may participate in building maintenance, facility maintenance, landscaping, and recycling programs that teach responsibility and work ethic. Furthermore, chemical dependency treatment services typically address underlying issues that may have contributed to incarceration. These therapeutic offerings often include counseling sessions and support groups designed to promote long-term recovery and personal growth. The structured environment emphasizes safety and security while providing meaningful pathways for skill development and personal transformation.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and peer relationships form the foundation of daily experiences for those incarcerated at Goodhue County ADC. Today's structured environment consistently emphasizes maintaining ties with loved ones while fostering positive interactions among residents. The facility typically operates on a predictable schedule that furnishes stability and routine throughout each day.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated develop supportive relationships with their peers. Furthermore, communal dining areas serve as gathering spaces where residents share meals and engage in conversation, helping to build a sense of community within the facility. These shared spaces often become important venues for social interaction and mutual support among individuals navigating their incarceration experience.

Structured programming schedules typically include recreational activities, educational opportunities, and work assignments that encourage collaboration and teamwork. Although security protocols are maintained, visitation policies generally allow regular contact with family members and friends through scheduled visits and phone calls. The facility may offer various communication options to help those incarcerated stay connected with their support networks, while recreational programs and exercise opportunities furnish additional venues for building positive relationships and maintaining physical and mental well-being.