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 James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   James T. Vaughn Correctional Center
   1181 Paddock Rd
   Smyrna, DE 19977
   Phone: (302) 653-9261

   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 James T. Vaughn Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at James T. Vaughn 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 (302) 653-9261 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 James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn 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 James T. Vaughn 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 Security Housing Unit (SHU) and Medium-High Housing Unit (MHU) at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center represent specialized housing classifications that form part of the facility's comprehensive approach to managing inmates across multiple security levels. As Delaware's largest adult male correctional facility, JTVCC typically provides educational and vocational programming designed to support rehabilitation and successful reentry. The facility may offer basic education services including GED preparation, adult basic education, and literacy programs to help residents develop essential academic skills. Vocational training opportunities often include programs in areas such as construction trades, food service, maintenance, and other job-ready skills that align with Delaware's employment market.

Counseling and therapeutic services at JTVCC may include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and behavioral intervention programs tailored to address the diverse needs of the inmate population. The facility often provides religious services and chaplaincy programs, offering spiritual support and guidance to residents of various faith backgrounds. Support services typically encompass medical and dental care, library access, and recreational activities that promote physical fitness and constructive use of time. Given the facility's role in housing inmates across minimum, medium, and maximum security levels, programming is often adapted to meet the varying security requirements and individual needs of residents, with the goal of preparing them for eventual reintegration into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The classification system at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center determines much of how residents experience their daily routines, with quality of life levels assigned based on criminal history, institutional behavior, and program needs. Those housed in the facility's various security levels—from minimum to the maximum security Housing Units—follow structured schedules that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service around 6:00 AM.

Residents may maintain connections with family and friends through the facility's visitation program and telephone system, though specific privileges vary by housing assignment and security classification. Those in the Security Housing Unit and Medium-High Housing Unit operate under more restrictive schedules, while minimum and medium security residents often have greater access to programming areas, recreational activities, and work assignments throughout the facility. The center's size—housing approximately 2,500 residents across multiple housing units—means that daily activities are carefully coordinated to ensure security while providing opportunities for rehabilitation and personal development.

Meal times, educational programs, and recreational periods are typically scheduled around mandatory counts and security procedures. Residents may participate in various programs designed to support their reintegration goals, though availability often depends on their classification level and institutional behavior. The facility's extensive infrastructure, including multiple housing units and security systems, helps organize the flow of daily activities while maintaining the safety and security necessary for both residents and staff.