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 Lakin Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Lakin 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 Lakin Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Lakin Correctional Center
   11264 Ohio River Rd
   West Columbia, WV 25287
   Phone: (304) 674-2440

   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: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Lakin Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Lakin 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 (304) 674-2440 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 Lakin 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 Lakin Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Lakin 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 Lakin Correctional Center?

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

As West Virginia’s dedicated all-female correctional facility, Lakin Correctional Center and Jail serves inmates across all custody levels from minimum to maximum security. The facility’s programs typically focus on addressing the comprehensive needs of female offenders through gender-responsive programming approaches. Educational services may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs designed to help inmates develop fundamental academic skills essential for successful reintegration into their communities.

The center likely offers vocational training programs that align with employment opportunities available to women upon release, which may include courses in office administration, food service, custodial services, or other skill-based training. Counseling and therapeutic services often form a cornerstone of programming at female facilities, potentially including substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, trauma-informed care, and life skills development. These programs typically address issues such as parenting skills, domestic violence recovery, and personal finance management.

Given its role as the state’s primary female correctional facility with a capacity of many individuals, Lakin Correctional Center may also provide specialized support services such as medical and dental care, library services, and recreational activities. The facility’s programming approach often emphasizes preparing inmates for successful reentry through pre-release planning, job readiness training, and connections to community resources. Religious services and volunteer programs may also be available to support inmates’ spiritual and emotional well-being during their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The maximum security environment at Lakin Correctional Center and Jail, West Virginia’s dedicated all-female correctional facility, shapes every aspect of the structured routine for its 543 residents. Located six miles north of Point Pleasant along the Ohio River Road, the facility operates under the supervision of Superintendent J.D. Sallaz and maintains custody levels ranging from minimum to maximum security. The daily schedule typically begins with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities that vary based on each individual’s custody classification and behavioral status.

Inmates at Lakin may participate in various rehabilitative programs designed to support their reintegration into the community, though specific offerings often depend on security level and individual case management plans. The facility typically provides opportunities for vocational training, educational classes, and counseling services, with maximum security residents having more restricted movement and supervised activities compared to those in minimum custody. Work assignments might include kitchen duties, laundry services, facility maintenance, and other institutional operations that help maintain daily operations while providing valuable job skills.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility, with visitation policies generally following West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation guidelines. Inmates may typically maintain contact with approved family members and friends through scheduled visits, telephone calls, and correspondence, though these privileges are often subject to security protocols and behavioral compliance. The facility’s location in Mason County may present travel challenges for some families, making phone calls and written communication particularly valuable for maintaining relationships during incarceration.