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 Maine Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Maine Correctional 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 Maine Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Maine Correctional Center
   17 Mallison Falls Rd
   Windham, ME 04062
   Phone: (207) 893-7000

   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 Maine Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Maine Correctional 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 (207) 893-7000 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 Maine Correctional 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 Maine Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Maine Correctional 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 Maine Correctional Center?

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

Education forms the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Maine Correctional Center in Windham, with both basic and higher education programs designed to prepare residents for successful reintegration. The facility provides comprehensive vocational training opportunities that typically focus on developing marketable job skills, while specialized treatment programs address critical areas including mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and problematic sexual behavior intervention. These educational and therapeutic initiatives work together to address the diverse needs of the facility's male and female population.

The center's program offerings extend beyond traditional academics to include targeted interventions such as parenting education and domestic violence education, recognizing that successful reentry often requires addressing relationship dynamics and family responsibilities. As Maine's primary reception facility for both male and female residents, the center may also offer orientation programs to help newly admitted individuals adjust to the correctional environment and begin their rehabilitation journey. Mental health treatment services typically provide both individual and group counseling options to support residents dealing with various psychological challenges.

Additional support services commonly found at medium-security facilities like Maine Correctional Center may include religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and library services that complement the formal educational offerings. The facility often collaborates with community organizations to provide reentry planning assistance, helping residents develop practical skills for housing, employment, and community integration upon release. These comprehensive programs reflect a commitment to addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior while building the foundation for positive life changes.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Maine Correctional Center in Windham begin each day within a structured environment designed to balance security with rehabilitation opportunities. As the state's primary reception facility for both male and female residents, the center houses up to 566 male residents and 54 female residents in medium-security housing units. The facility typically operates on a regimented schedule where residents wake early for count, meals, and work or program assignments that may include educational classes, vocational training, or participation in specialized treatment programs addressing substance use disorders, mental health needs, or problematic sexual behaviors.

Throughout the day, residents may engage in various programs and services offered at the facility, including basic and higher education courses, parenting classes, and domestic violence education. The center often provides opportunities for residents to participate in prison industries programs, which can offer valuable work experience and skills training. Mental health treatment and substance use disorder programs are typically integrated into daily routines, providing structured therapeutic activities and counseling sessions that support rehabilitation goals.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life through the facility's visitation and mail programs. The center typically maintains specific visiting hours and procedures that allow family members and friends to maintain contact with residents. Communication with the outside world may also include monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping residents maintain important relationships during their incarceration. Evening hours often include additional programming, recreational activities, or personal time before the final count and lights-out, creating a structured yet purposeful daily routine focused on rehabilitation and eventual successful reintegration into the community.