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 Keen Mountain Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Keen Mountain Correctional Center
   3402 Kennel Gap Rd
   Oakwood, VA 24631
   Phone: (276) 498-7411

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Keen Mountain Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Keen Mountain 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 (276) 498-7411 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 Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Keen Mountain Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain 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 Keen Mountain 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

Based on the provided website content, I notice that the Wikipedia article focuses primarily on the facility's basic information and notable inmates, but does not contain specific details about programs and services offered at Keen Mountain Correctional Center.

As a maximum security facility housing adult male offenders, Keen Mountain Correctional Center typically provides various rehabilitative programs designed to support reentry preparation and personal development. Maximum security facilities in Virginia often include educational opportunities such as adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs to help residents develop fundamental academic skills. The facility may also offer vocational training programs that could include trades like carpentry, welding, or food service, though specific program availability can vary based on staffing and resources.

Mental health and substance abuse counseling services are commonly available at facilities of this security level, as these programs address critical needs among the incarcerated population. Religious and spiritual services may be provided through chaplaincy programs, offering residents opportunities for faith-based support and community. Additionally, the facility likely maintains medical and dental services to address healthcare needs, along with library services that support both recreational reading and educational pursuits. While the specific details of programs at Keen Mountain are not detailed in the available information, Virginia Department of Corrections facilities typically work to provide a range of services aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the high walls of this maximum security facility in Oakwood, Virginia, approximately 1,200 adult male inmates follow structured routines that have remained largely consistent since the facility opened in 1990. The high security classification means that movement throughout the facility is carefully controlled and supervised, with inmates typically spending significant portions of their day in their housing units.

Inmates at Keen Mountain typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or recreational activities depending on their security level and behavioral record. The facility may offer various programs aimed at rehabilitation and skill development, though participation often depends on an inmate's classification status and length of sentence. Given the maximum security nature of the institution, many activities take place within secured areas of the facility, and inmates generally have limited movement compared to lower security facilities.

Family connections remain important for inmates housed at this facility, and visitation procedures typically follow Virginia Department of Corrections guidelines. Visitors may be required to schedule appointments in advance and undergo security screening before entering the facility. Communication with family members often includes monitored phone calls and correspondence, though specific policies may vary based on individual circumstances and security considerations. The facility's location in rural Virginia means that some families may face challenges traveling for visits, making phone contact and written correspondence particularly valuable for maintaining relationships.