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 Lorain Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Lorain 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 Lorain Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Lorain Correctional Institution
   2075 Avon Belden Rd
   Grafton, OH 44044
   Phone: (440) 748-1049

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

   Visiting hours at Lorain 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 (440) 748-1049 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 Lorain 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 Lorain Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Lorain/Medina Community Based Correctional Facility utilizes evidence-based cognitive behavioral programming to address criminal and addictive thinking patterns among residents. Core curriculum offerings include Thinking for a Change, Drug and Alcohol Education, and the Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model, all designed to reduce recidivism through targeted interventions. The facility also provides specialized programming such as Domestic Violence counseling, Anger Management, Relapse Prevention, and Parenting/Fatherhood classes to address individual criminogenic needs identified through the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS).

Educational and vocational opportunities form another cornerstone of the facility's rehabilitation approach, though specific program details may vary based on available resources and partnerships. Residents typically have access to basic educational services and may participate in job readiness training to prepare for successful community reintegration. The facility's case management approach ensures that programming is tailored to each individual's assessed risk and needs profile, supporting both male and female felony offenders in developing the skills necessary for law-abiding community living.

Additional support services may include mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and pre-release planning to facilitate successful transitions back to the community. The facility maintains a tobacco-free environment and operates with structured daily schedules that incorporate programming, work assignments, and personal development activities designed to promote positive behavioral change and community safety.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Lorain/Medina Community Based Correctional Facility, residents participate in structured programming designed around cognitive behavioral interventions that address criminal and addictive thinking patterns. The 130-bed facility operates as a secure environment where male and female residents may engage in classes such as Thinking for a Change, Drug and Alcohol Education, and Anger Management as part of their individualized program plans. The facility maintains a tobacco-free environment throughout its grounds, reflecting its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyle changes during residents' stay.

Family connections remain an important aspect of the rehabilitation process, with the facility typically maintaining regular lobby hours Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for visitor processing and communication. Residents may have opportunities to participate in parenting and fatherhood programs that help strengthen family relationships and prepare them for successful reintegration. The facility often provides structured communication schedules that allow residents to maintain contact with approved family members and support systems while adhering to security protocols.

The daily structure at this community-based facility generally balances programming, work assignments, and personal time within a secure setting. Residents may participate in educational and vocational opportunities alongside their required cognitive behavioral programming, with individual case plans developed based on Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) evaluations. The facility's focus on reducing recidivism means that daily activities typically emphasize skill-building, treatment participation, and preparation for successful community reentry while serving residents from both Lorain and Medina Counties.