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 Goodman Correctional Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Goodman Correctional Institute 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 Goodman Correctional Institute.

Frequently asked questions about Goodman Correctional Institute

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 Goodman Correctional Institute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Goodman Correctional Institute?

   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 Goodman Correctional Institute?

   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 Goodman Correctional Institute. 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 Goodman Correctional Institute. 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 Goodman Correctional Institute?

   Mailing address:

   Goodman Correctional Institute
   4556 Broad River Rd
   Columbia, SC 29210
   Phone: (803) 896-8565

5. What are the visiting hours at Goodman Correctional Institute?

   Visiting hours at Goodman Correctional Institute 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 (803) 896-8565 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 Goodman Correctional Institute?

   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 Goodman Correctional Institute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Goodman Correctional Institute?

   You can send money to an inmate at Goodman Correctional Institute 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 Goodman Correctional Institute?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Goodman Correctional Institute, 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 Goodman Correctional Institute?

   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 Goodman Correctional Institute 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 Goodman Correctional Institute, 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

Through comprehensive programming designed to address multiple facets of personal development, Goodman Correctional Institution demonstrates its commitment to fostering meaningful transformation within the population. The facility's approach emphasizes building foundational skills while simultaneously addressing the underlying factors that may have contributed to incarceration, creating a supportive environment where individuals can develop the tools necessary for successful community reintegration.

Educational initiatives form the cornerstone of the institution's rehabilitative efforts, with programs that typically encompass basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and post-secondary educational opportunities. Financial literacy courses may supply participants with essential knowledge about budgeting, credit management, and financial planning—skills that prove invaluable upon release. These academic programs often work in conjunction with vocational training opportunities that focus on marketable trades such as carpentry, plumbing, or automotive repair, providing the population with practical skills that enhance employment prospects and economic stability in their communities.

In addition to these foundational offerings, the facility often includes faith-based initiatives that address spiritual wellness and moral development, recognizing the important role that personal beliefs may play in the rehabilitation process. Building maintenance programs typically allow participants to develop technical skills while contributing to the upkeep of the facility, fostering a sense of responsibility and community investment. These diverse programming options work collectively to create a supportive framework that addresses not only immediate educational and vocational needs but also the broader personal development necessary for sustained positive change and successful family reunification.

Daily Life & Visitation

Organizational systems and structured protocols shape every aspect of the experience for the population at Goodman Correctional Institution, where carefully maintained schedules currently govern movement, meals, and daily activities. The facility continues to operate through a framework of housing units that organize residents into manageable groups, with each unit typically following established routines for wake-up calls, count times, and scheduled movements throughout the day. Generally, the population moves through their daily activities in coordinated groups, with staff supervision ensuring that meal times, work assignments, and recreational periods supply the necessary structure while maintaining security protocols appropriate for the facility's classification level.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of housing units designed to accommodate multiple residents, with each person generally assigned personal space for their belongings and basic necessities. The population usually has access to commissary services where they may purchase approved personal items, snacks, and hygiene products, while meals are commonly served in designated dining areas according to housing unit schedules. In addition to this basic structure, residents often have opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise during designated periods, which may include access to recreational yards, fitness equipment, or organized sports activities that help maintain physical health and provide constructive outlets.

Despite this structured environment, the facility typically offers various programming opportunities that may include educational classes, vocational training, or counseling services designed to support rehabilitation goals. Work assignments often supply additional structure to daily routines, with residents potentially participating in facility maintenance, kitchen duties, or other institutional operations under staff supervision. Family connections remain important through visitation programs and communication options, which generally include scheduled visiting hours and phone privileges that allow the population to maintain contact with their support systems, helping to preserve these vital relationships during their time at the facility.