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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth Center.

Frequently asked questions about Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth Center?

   Mailing address:

   Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth Center
   2848 McDonough St
   Joliet, IL 60431
   Phone: (815) 730-4400

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth Center?

   Visiting hours at Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 (815) 730-4400 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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 Joliet Treatment Center Illinois Youth 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

Mental health treatment forms the cornerstone of services at Joliet Treatment Center, which operates as a specialized multi-disciplinary treatment facility for adult male residents with severe mental illness. The facility’s structured stepdown program is designed to help high-risk, high-need individuals transition back to general population through comprehensive therapeutic interventions. With dedicated behavior modification units and residential treatment units, the center provides intensive psychiatric care and behavioral support tailored to each resident’s treatment needs.

Educational opportunities include Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Advanced Adult Education programs, helping residents build fundamental academic skills and work toward educational credentials. The facility may also offer vocational training programs, life skills development, and pre-release preparation services typical of Illinois correctional facilities. Given its specialized focus on mental health treatment, residents likely have access to individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, medication management, and crisis intervention support.

The center’s multi-security design allows for a graduated treatment approach, with programs potentially including substance abuse counseling, anger management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills training. Support services may encompass medical care, dental services, library access, and recreational activities designed to promote mental wellness and successful community reintegration. The facility’s emphasis on evidence-based treatment practices aims to address the complex needs of residents while preparing them for eventual return to less restrictive housing environments.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Joliet Treatment Center begin each day within a structured therapeutic environment designed specifically for adult males with severe mental illness. The facility’s multi-disciplinary approach means that daily schedules typically incorporate both treatment sessions and educational opportunities, with programs like Adult Basic Education (ABE) providing academic support alongside mental health services. Given the center’s multi-security classification and capacity for many individuals, residents may experience different levels of structure depending on their security designation and treatment progress through the stepdown program format.

Family connections remain an important part of the treatment process, with video visitation available seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Visitors must sign up in advance and are encouraged to log on 15 minutes before their scheduled session. The facility also utilizes ICSolutions technology services for electronic messaging through CorrLinks, allowing residents to maintain regular contact with approved family members and friends. These communication options help support the therapeutic goals while residents work toward eventual return to general population settings.

The center’s specialized focus on high-risk, high-need individuals means that daily programming likely emphasizes therapeutic interventions, medication management, and behavioral modification activities. With its two behavior modification units and four residential treatment units spread across 20 buildings on the 55-acre site, residents may participate in group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and structured recreational activities. The facility’s design supports the treatment mission while maintaining appropriate security measures, with 50 acres enclosed by fencing to ensure safety for both residents and staff.