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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW).

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW) 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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW).

Frequently asked questions about Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)

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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW).

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)?

   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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)?

   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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW). 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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW). 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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)?

   Mailing address:

   Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)
   7205 LA-74
   St Gabriel, LA 70776
   Phone: (225) 319-2701

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)?

   Visiting hours at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW) 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 (225) 319-2701 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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)?

   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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW) for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)?

   You can send money to an inmate at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW) 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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW), 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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)?

   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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW) 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 Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW), 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

Assessment and diagnostic programs form the foundation of services at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, providing comprehensive evaluations to guide individualized treatment plans for the incarcerated population. The facility operates an array of educational programs designed to prepare individuals for successful reentry, along with work assignments that may include institutional maintenance, food service operations, and facility support roles. Self-help programs typically focus on personal development and life skills training, while the center's commitment to reentry initiatives emphasizes community preparation and victim restitution opportunities.

Healthcare services at the facility include both medical and mental health programs, with custody screening processes that help determine appropriate placement and treatment needs. The center may offer substance abuse counseling, anger management classes, and vocational training programs that align with local workforce demands. Social programs often include family reunification support and communication assistance to help maintain important relationships during incarceration.

The facility's disciplinary programs work in conjunction with rehabilitation efforts to maintain institutional safety while promoting positive behavioral changes. Educational opportunities may range from basic literacy and GED preparation to specialized skill development courses. Mental health services typically include individual counseling, group therapy sessions, and crisis intervention support, all designed to address the diverse needs of the population and support successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured environment at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel revolves around the facility's mission to provide basic services including adequate food, clothing, healthcare, and shelter while maintaining safety for all individuals within the institution. Located at 6925 Highway 74, the facility operates under a system designed to promote institutional stability while preparing individuals for eventual reentry into the community. The center typically follows a regimented daily schedule that may include structured meal times, work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods, all coordinated to maintain order and provide meaningful activities for the incarcerated population.

Educational and work programs form a significant component of daily routines, as the facility offers an assortment of assessment, diagnostic, work, educational, and self-help programs designed to foster positive change. Individuals may participate in various vocational training opportunities, educational classes, or work assignments that often include facility maintenance, food service, or other institutional operations. The center also provides medical and mental health services as part of its comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of those in its care, with healthcare appointments and mental health programming integrated into the weekly schedule.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility through the visitation program, though specific visiting hours and policies would need to be confirmed directly with the institution at (225) 642-3306. The facility's location along Highway 74 provides accessible routes for family members traveling from Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Communication with loved ones typically includes monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping individuals maintain important relationships during their incarceration while working toward successful reentry through the various programs and initiatives offered at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center.