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 Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Lawrence Correctional Alternative 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 Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center
   165 Marston St
   Lawrence, MA 01841
   Phone: (978) 750-1900

5. What are the visiting hours at Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center?

   Visiting hours at Lawrence Correctional Alternative 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 (978) 750-1900 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 Lawrence Correctional Alternative 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 Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Lawrence Correctional Alternative 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 Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center?

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

The Massachusetts Treatment Center (MTC) in Bridgewater operates as a specialized medium-security facility that houses both criminally sentenced male inmates identified as sex offenders and individuals who have been civilly committed as sexually dangerous persons. Given the facility’s specialized population, treatment programs typically focus on intensive therapeutic interventions designed to address underlying behavioral issues and reduce recidivism risk. The center may offer specialized counseling services, group therapy sessions, and psychological treatment programs tailored to the specific needs of its residents.

Educational and vocational programming at MTC likely includes basic literacy and GED preparation courses, as well as vocational training opportunities that may help individuals develop job skills for potential reintegration. The facility may also provide substance abuse treatment programs, as addiction often correlates with criminal behavior. Mental health services are typically a cornerstone of programming, potentially including individual counseling, psychiatric care, and specialized treatment modalities designed for the facility’s comprehensive population.

Support services at the Massachusetts Treatment Center may encompass religious programming, recreational activities, and library services to promote personal development and constructive use of time. The facility’s structured visiting schedule, with specific hours designated for different categories of residents, reflects the specialized nature of the institution and the importance of maintaining family connections where appropriate. Additional programming may include life skills training, anger management courses, and pre-release planning services to help prepare individuals for potential community reintegration while prioritizing public safety.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Massachusetts Treatment Center operates under a structured visitation schedule that reflects its specialized role as a medium-security facility housing both criminally sentenced male inmates identified as sex offenders and those civilly committed as sexually dangerous persons. Located at 30 Administration Rd. in Bridgewater, the facility maintains separate visiting hours for different populations - state inmates can receive visitors on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm, Mondays from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, while those under temporary civil commitments and sexually dangerous persons have access to visits on Mondays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Fridays from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

The facility’s daily operations typically center around maintaining security while providing specialized programming appropriate for its population. Residents generally follow structured schedules that may include educational opportunities, therapeutic programming, and work assignments within the facility’s secure environment. The center’s medium-security classification allows for certain privileges while maintaining necessary safety protocols. Families planning visits should call (508) 279-8100 to verify current schedules, as visiting hours are subject to change and may be modified during holidays.

Given the facility’s specialized focus, programming often emphasizes rehabilitation and treatment services designed to address the specific needs of its population. The center maintains wheelchair accessibility and provides handicapped parking for visitors, ensuring that family connections can be maintained despite physical limitations. All vehicles entering state property are subject to search and must remain locked when unattended, reflecting the security measures necessary for this type of correctional facility.