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 Lieber Correctional Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Lieber Correctional Institute 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 Lieber Correctional Institute.

Frequently asked questions about Lieber Correctional Institute

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 Lieber Correctional Institute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Lieber Correctional Institute?

   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 Lieber Correctional Institute?

   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 Lieber Correctional Institute. 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 Lieber Correctional Institute. 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 Lieber Correctional Institute?

   Mailing address:

   Lieber Correctional Institute
   136 Wilborn Ave
   Ridgeville, SC 29472
   Phone: (843) 875-3332

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Lieber Correctional Institute?

   Visiting hours at Lieber Correctional Institute 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 (843) 875-3332 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 Lieber Correctional Institute?

   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 Lieber Correctional Institute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Lieber Correctional Institute?

   You can send money to an inmate at Lieber Correctional Institute 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 Lieber Correctional Institute?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Lieber Correctional Institute, 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 Lieber Correctional Institute?

   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 Lieber Correctional Institute 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 Lieber Correctional Institute, 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 transformation through structured intervention forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Lieber Correctional Institution in South Carolina. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change requires addressing multiple dimensions of an individual's circumstances, from foundational educational gaps to deeply rooted behavioral patterns. Through carefully coordinated service delivery, inmates encounter opportunities that may provide pathways toward developing essential life skills, processing past experiences, and building sustainable foundations for successful community reintegration.

Educational services typically encompass both basic literacy development and advanced academic programming, allowing participants to address educational deficiencies while potentially pursuing higher learning opportunities. The institution's vocational programming often includes culinary arts training, which may provide inmates with marketable skills in food service industries upon release. These educational and vocational components work synergistically, as participants frequently discover that academic confidence enhances their performance in hands-on training environments, while practical skill development reinforces the value of continued learning.

Support services extend beyond traditional programming to address the complex personal challenges that often contribute to criminal behavior. Faith-based initiatives may offer spiritual guidance and community connections for those seeking meaning and accountability through religious practice. Also available are domestic violence programs, which typically focus on helping participants understand relationship dynamics, develop healthy communication patterns, and break cycles of harmful behavior. Group therapy services complement these specialized interventions by providing structured environments where inmates can process experiences, develop emotional regulation skills, and practice interpersonal communication techniques essential for maintaining positive relationships both within the facility and upon return to their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel fixtures of the housing units at Lieber Correctional Institution create a controlled environment where inmates navigate their daily existence within clearly defined boundaries. Life currently revolves around a structured schedule that begins with early morning counts and continues to unfold through predetermined segments throughout each day. Inmates typically wake to the sound of announcements echoing through the dormitory-style housing units, where multiple residents share living spaces equipped with basic furnishings including bunks, lockers, and shared bathroom facilities.

The dining hall serves as a central gathering point where inmates receive three meals daily, with seating arrangements and meal times generally organized by housing unit assignments. Also important to daily life are the various work assignments available throughout the facility, which may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, laundry operations, and grounds keeping responsibilities that provide structure and purpose to the routine. However, these positions typically require inmates to demonstrate good behavior and may involve application processes or waiting periods.

Recreation periods offer opportunities for physical activity in outdoor yards or indoor gymnasium spaces, where inmates can participate in sports, exercise, or simply socialize within the supervised environment. The facility also provides access to educational programming and vocational training opportunities that inmates can pursue during designated time blocks. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, while the commissary system allows inmates to purchase personal items and food products to supplement their basic provisions, helping them maintain some degree of personal choice within the institutional setting.