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 Hays State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Hays State Prison 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 Hays State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Hays State Prison

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 Hays State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Hays State Prison?

   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 Hays State Prison?

   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 Hays State Prison. 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 Hays State Prison. 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 Hays State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Hays State Prison
   777 Underwood Dr
   Trion, GA 30753
   Phone: (706) 857-0400

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Hays State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Hays State Prison 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 (706) 857-0400 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 Hays State Prison?

   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 Hays State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Hays State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Hays State Prison 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 Hays State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Hays State Prison, 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 Hays State Prison?

   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 Hays State Prison 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 Hays State Prison, 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

The Paulding Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program and Faith & Character based dormitory represent key components of Hays State Prison's rehabilitation approach. These specialized programs work alongside a comprehensive range of educational services including General Education Diploma preparation, Adult Basic Education, and literacy support to help residents develop essential skills for successful reentry. The facility's academic offerings typically provide structured learning environments that may accommodate varying educational backgrounds and learning needs.

Counseling and therapeutic programs form another cornerstone of services, with evidence-based interventions such as Moral Reconation Therapy, Thinking for a Change, and Motivation for Change addressing cognitive and behavioral patterns. The facility offers specialized counseling for family violence issues and anger management, while Matrix programming may provide additional therapeutic support. Mental health services are particularly significant given that the facility houses approximately 750 level II mental health offenders, suggesting robust psychological support systems and specialized treatment protocols.

Vocational training and work opportunities include on-the-job training in areas such as general office work, warehouse operations, food service, building maintenance, and barbershop services. The facility's partnership with GCIC Optics and Aramark Food Service provides practical work experience that may translate to employment skills upon release. Religious programming includes various worship services and the Kairos program, while recreational activities encompass general recreation and intramural sports. These diverse programming options typically work together to support the facility's mission of minimizing recidivism through structured rehabilitation and effective reentry preparation.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Hays State Prison, inmates wake to a structured environment where approximately 750 individuals with level II mental health needs live alongside the general population across seven dormitories, each housing 64 residents. The facility's close security mission shapes every aspect of the day, from morning counts to evening lockdown, with specialized housing units including a Faith & Character based dormitory that provides additional programming opportunities. Inmates may participate in work assignments supporting the on-site GCIC Optics operation or Aramark Food Service, though all work details remain within the facility's secure perimeter.

Family connections are maintained through weekend visitation, with general population inmates typically able to receive visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Those in higher security classifications may have more restricted visitation schedules, often requiring appointments and occurring on weekdays. The facility's comprehensive programming schedule may include academic classes toward a General Education Diploma, counseling sessions such as Thinking for a Change or Anger Management, and various religious services. Recreational activities and intramural sports provide outlets for physical activity and social interaction within the secure environment.

Evening hours often involve continued programming or personal time in the dormitory settings, where inmates may engage in reading, correspondence, or reflection activities. The facility's emphasis on re-entry preparation means many residents participate in vocational training programs covering areas like general office skills, warehouse operations, or building maintenance. With its capacity for 1,101 inmates and specialized teams including C.E.R.T. and Tactical Squad units, Hays maintains a controlled environment focused on rehabilitation while managing some of Georgia's most challenging cases.