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 Lancaster Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Lancaster 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 Lancaster Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Lancaster Correctional Institution
   3449 FL-26
   Trenton, FL 32693
   Phone: (352) 463-4100

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

   Visiting hours at Lancaster 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 (352) 463-4100 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Southeastern Correctional Complex. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple aspects of an inmate's life, from basic education to emotional wellness. This holistic philosophy recognizes that successful reintegration into society requires more than just serving time—it demands active participation in meaningful change.

Educational services often include basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities. Inmates may access computer literacy courses and job readiness workshops that focus on practical skills needed for employment. These educational offerings typically aim to provide inmates with concrete qualifications and certifications that can improve their prospects upon release. Furthermore, vocational programs may cover areas such as construction trades, food service, and maintenance skills.

Support services and therapeutic interventions play a crucial role in addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Substance abuse treatment programs typically provide both group and individual counseling sessions designed to help inmates develop coping strategies and maintain sobriety. Anger management services often focus on teaching conflict resolution and emotional regulation techniques. Additionally, the facility may offer trauma-informed care approaches that recognize the impact of past experiences on current behavior, while work release programs can provide supervised opportunities for inmates to maintain employment and family connections during their transition back to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Southeastern Correctional Complex feature dormitory-style accommodations where inmates share living spaces under constant supervision. The facility currently operates on a structured schedule that begins before dawn and continues through evening hours, with inmates moving between designated areas for meals, work assignments, and programming activities. Security protocols govern all movement throughout the compound, ensuring orderly transitions between daily activities.

Living conditions typically include shared sleeping quarters with basic furnishings and limited personal storage space. Inmates generally adapt by establishing routines within their assigned housing units and learning to navigate the social dynamics of communal living. Furthermore, the facility provides access to commissary services where inmates may purchase approved personal items and snacks to supplement their daily needs. Meal service occurs in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with inmates following specific procedures for entering and exiting the facility.

Although recreational opportunities may be limited by security requirements, the facility typically offers structured programming that includes educational classes, vocational training, and supervised exercise periods. Inmates usually participate in work assignments throughout the facility, which provide structure and may include maintenance, food service, or administrative support roles. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and monitored communication systems, allowing inmates to maintain relationships with loved ones while serving their sentences.