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 Kershaw Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Kershaw 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 Kershaw Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Kershaw 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 Kershaw Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Kershaw 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 Kershaw 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 Kershaw 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 Kershaw 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 Kershaw Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Kershaw Correctional Institution
   4848 Gold Mine Hwy
   Kershaw, SC 29067
   Phone: (803) 475-5770

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Kershaw Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Kershaw 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 (803) 475-5770 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 Kershaw 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 Kershaw Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Kershaw Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Kershaw 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 Kershaw Correctional Institution?

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

Through a comprehensive network of support services, the population at Kershaw Correctional Facility receives assistance designed to address multiple aspects of personal development and successful reintegration. The facility's approach typically emphasizes building essential life skills while providing therapeutic interventions that help individuals work through underlying challenges. These programs often focus on creating pathways for meaningful change, with services delivered through structured activities that promote both personal growth and community responsibility.

Educational opportunities form a cornerstone of the facility's supportive framework, with adult basic education services helping participants develop fundamental academic skills necessary for future success. Vocational programs may supply hands-on training in practical areas such as plumbing and grounds maintenance, providing the population with marketable skills that can translate into employment opportunities upon release. These educational initiatives often include structured learning environments where individuals can progress at their own pace while building confidence in their abilities.

In addition to these skill-building opportunities, the facility typically offers mental health counseling services that address the therapeutic needs of the population. Faith-based initiatives may provide spiritual support and community connection for those seeking this type of guidance during their rehabilitation journey. These support services often work together to create a holistic approach to personal development, helping individuals build the foundation necessary for successful reintegration into their communities while maintaining strong family connections throughout their time at the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The systematic organization of daily operations shapes every aspect of life within the facility's structured environment. The population now follows a carefully coordinated schedule that typically begins with early morning counts and continues through designated periods for meals, work assignments, and programming activities. Staff regularly oversee transitions between different areas of the facility, ensuring that movement flows smoothly throughout the day. This organizational framework supplies predictability and routine that many residents find helpful in managing their time.

Living accommodations generally consist of housing units that may include dormitory-style arrangements or individual cells, depending on security classification and available space. The population typically shares common areas within their designated housing units, where they can interact during approved recreation periods. Meals are usually served in central dining areas according to a rotating schedule that accommodates different housing sections. In addition to this structured meal service, residents may often access commissary items to supplement their dietary needs, provided they have the necessary funds available through their accounts.

Recreational opportunities typically supply both indoor and outdoor activities, which may include access to exercise equipment, sports courts, and library services during designated time periods. Work assignments often provide structure to the daily routine, with the population participating in various facility maintenance, kitchen duties, or other operational tasks as assigned by staff. Despite this busy schedule, visitation policies generally allow for regular family contact through scheduled visits and phone calls, helping residents maintain important connections with their support systems outside the facility. Educational and vocational programming may also be available, offering additional structured activities that can help residents develop skills during their time at the facility.