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 Illinois River Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Illinois River Correctional Center 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 Illinois River Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Illinois River Correctional Center

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 Illinois River Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Illinois River Correctional Center?

   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 Illinois River Correctional Center?

   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 Illinois River Correctional Center. 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 Illinois River Correctional Center. 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 Illinois River Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Illinois River Correctional Center
   1300 W Locust St
   Canton, IL 61520
   Phone: (309) 647-7030

5. What are the visiting hours at Illinois River Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Illinois River Correctional Center 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 (309) 647-7030 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 Illinois River Correctional Center?

   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 Illinois River Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Illinois River Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Illinois River Correctional Center 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 Illinois River Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Illinois River Correctional Center, 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 Illinois River Correctional Center?

   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 Illinois River Correctional Center 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 Illinois River Correctional Center, 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 Illinois River Correctional Center operates with a clear rehabilitative mission focused on returning individuals to the community with enhanced skills and positive attitudes. This medium-security facility, which opened in October 1989, maintains an operational capacity designed to serve adult male populations through comprehensive programming approaches.

Educational and vocational programming typically forms the foundation of rehabilitation efforts at facilities like Illinois River. These may include adult basic education classes, GED preparation programs, and various vocational training opportunities that help individuals develop marketable job skills. Career readiness programs often focus on resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace behavior skills that support successful community reintegration. The facility may also offer computer literacy courses and educational partnerships that allow individuals to pursue higher education opportunities.

Counseling and support services likely encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and behavioral intervention programs designed to address underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior. Religious and spiritual services are typically available, along with recreational activities and library services that support personal development. The facility's commitment to preparing individuals for community reentry may also include pre-release planning services, family reunification programs, and connections to community resources that provide ongoing support after release. These comprehensive programming efforts align with the facility's stated mission of protecting public safety while fostering positive change in the individuals under its supervision.

Daily Life & Visitation

Located in Canton, Illinois, the Illinois River Correctional Center operates as a medium security facility housing adult male individuals, with structured routines that reflect its mission to prepare residents for successful community reintegration. The facility, which opened in October 1989, maintains an operational capacity designed to balance security needs with rehabilitative programming opportunities.

Communication with family and friends plays a vital role in the facility's approach to maintaining community connections. Video visitation is available seven days a week, with sessions running from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., requiring visitors to log on fifteen minutes before their scheduled time. The facility has transitioned to ICSolutions for technology services, offering electronic messaging through CorrLinks to help residents stay connected with their support networks. All visitation requires advance registration, and the facility provides accommodations for visitors with disabilities to ensure accessibility.

The structured environment at Illinois River Correctional Center typically includes scheduled meal times, work assignments, educational opportunities, and recreational periods that support the facility's rehabilitative mission. Residents may participate in various programs and services designed to develop skills and positive attitudes necessary for successful community reentry. The facility's focus on returning appropriate individuals to the community with enhanced capabilities suggests that programming often includes vocational training, educational courses, and counseling services, though specific daily schedules may vary based on individual needs and security classifications.