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 Grafton Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Grafton Correctional Institution 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 Grafton Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Grafton Correctional Institution

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 Grafton Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Grafton Correctional Institution?

   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 Grafton Correctional Institution?

   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 Grafton Correctional Institution. 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 Grafton Correctional Institution. 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 Grafton Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Grafton Correctional Institution
   2500 Avon Belden Rd
   Grafton, OH 44044
   Phone: (440) 748-1161

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Grafton Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Grafton Correctional Institution 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 (440) 748-1161 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 Grafton Correctional Institution?

   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 Grafton Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Grafton Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Grafton Correctional Institution 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 Grafton Correctional Institution?

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

   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 Grafton Correctional Institution 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 Grafton Correctional Institution, 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 foundation of opportunities available to individuals at Grafton Correctional Institute. The facility typically emphasizes a multi-faceted approach that addresses educational advancement, workforce preparation, and personal wellness. This comprehensive framework recognizes that successful reintegration often requires addressing various aspects of an individual's development simultaneously.

Educational initiatives may offer individuals the chance to pursue basic literacy skills, earn their GED, or participate in college-level coursework through correspondence programs. Furthermore, vocational job training opportunities often include hands-on instruction in trades such as welding, carpentry, automotive repair, and food service preparation. These skill-building programs typically focus on providing marketable abilities that can lead to employment upon release.

Recovery services form another crucial component, often including substance abuse counseling and group therapy sessions designed to address underlying issues. Furthermore, therapeutic opportunities such as anger management classes may help individuals develop better coping strategies and emotional regulation skills. Community service projects often provide additional ways for individuals to contribute positively while developing a sense of responsibility and civic engagement. These support services typically work together to create a structured environment focused on personal accountability and positive behavioral change.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of morning announcements typically marks the beginning of structured routines that individuals at Grafton Correctional Institution actively navigate throughout their day. At present, residents follow established schedules that include count times, meal periods, and assigned activities designed to maintain order and provide programming opportunities. The facility operates on a system where individuals are actively engaged in various responsibilities, from work assignments to educational programs, creating a framework that offers both structure and purpose to daily life.

Living accommodations generally consist of housing units where individuals are assigned based on security classification and program participation. Residents typically share cells or dormitory-style arrangements, with personal property allowances that may include approved clothing, hygiene items, and limited personal effects. Furthermore, the commissary system allows individuals to purchase additional items to supplement basic provisions, while dining arrangements involve scheduled meal times in designated areas where residents receive nutritionally planned meals throughout the day.

Although movement within the facility is regulated, individuals often have access to recreational activities that may include gymnasium time, outdoor recreation when weather permits, and library services. Work assignments typically offer opportunities in areas such as food service, maintenance, or facility operations, providing both structure and potential skill development. Furthermore, family connections remain important through visitation programs and communication options that generally include telephone access and correspondence, helping individuals maintain relationships with their support systems while serving their sentences.