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 Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
   1301 E 12th St
   Wilmington, DE 19802
   Phone: (302) 429-7700

5. What are the visiting hours at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Howard R. Young 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 (302) 429-7700 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 Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young 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 Howard R. Young 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

Delaware's centralized mail scanning system, implemented across all state correctional facilities including Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, reflects the department's commitment to maintaining secure communication channels while supporting family connections. This system processes incoming correspondence through standardized guidelines that require white envelopes, proper addressing with inmate identification numbers, and adherence to specific size restrictions for letters and greeting cards. The facility's communication protocols also include regulated phone services, where individuals may establish pre-paid phone accounts to facilitate contact with incarcerated family members, supporting the maintenance of crucial family bonds during incarceration.

Beyond communication services, Howard R. Young Correctional Institution typically offers educational programming that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy courses designed to address varying skill levels among the population. The facility often provides vocational training opportunities in areas such as construction trades, food service, or maintenance skills that align with local employment markets. Counseling services may encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health support, and behavioral modification courses that address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior.

Support services at the institution commonly include religious programming with chaplaincy services, recreational activities, and library access to promote personal development and constructive use of time. The facility may also offer reentry preparation programs that focus on job readiness, housing assistance planning, and community resource connections to support successful transitions upon release. These comprehensive programming efforts typically work in coordination with Delaware's broader correctional rehabilitation goals, emphasizing skill development and behavioral change to reduce recidivism rates.

Daily Life & Visitation

The centralized mail scanning system implemented across Delaware's correctional facilities reflects the structured communication protocols that shape how residents at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution maintain connections with the outside world. Under these guidelines, incoming correspondence must arrive in white envelopes with proper identification details, and residents can receive up to 10 photographs ranging from 4x6 to 8½x11 inches. The facility typically processes mail through this scanning system to ensure security while preserving these vital family connections.

Communication opportunities extend beyond written correspondence, as residents may make outbound phone calls following institutional policies, though no incoming calls from the public are permitted. Family members often establish pre-paid phone accounts to facilitate regular contact with their loved ones. The daily routine at Howard R. Young typically includes structured meal times, work assignments, and recreational periods, though specific schedules may vary based on housing units and individual program participation. Educational and vocational programs are commonly available, allowing residents to work toward skill development and preparation for eventual reintegration.

Living conditions generally follow Delaware Department of Correction standards, with residents housed in cells or dormitory-style accommodations depending on security classification and available space. The facility may offer various services such as medical care, mental health support, and religious programs as part of daily operations. Visitation policies typically allow approved family members and friends to visit during designated hours, though specific scheduling and procedures should be confirmed directly with the facility to ensure compliance with current regulations.