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 Manson Youth Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Manson Youth Institution
   42 Jarvis St
   Cheshire, CT 06410
   Phone: (203) 806-2500

5. What are the visiting hours at Manson Youth Institution?

   Visiting hours at Manson Youth 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 (203) 806-2500 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 Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Manson Youth Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth 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 Manson Youth 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 Connecticut Department of Correction operates Manson Youth Institution as a Level 4 security facility that maintains educational programming through its unified school district (MYI USD #1), providing structured learning opportunities for both juvenile and adult populations. The facility’s educational services typically include academic instruction designed to help individuals work toward completing their high school education or earning equivalency credentials, while also potentially offering vocational training programs that may prepare participants for employment upon release.

Rehabilitation programming at Manson Youth Institution may encompass various counseling and therapeutic services aimed at addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. These programs often include substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and behavioral intervention services. The facility may also offer life skills training, anger management courses, and cognitive-behavioral programs designed to help individuals develop better decision-making abilities and coping strategies. Additionally, the institution typically provides medical and dental care services to ensure the health and wellbeing of those in custody.

Support services at the facility often extend to family connections through structured visitation programs, with both in-person and video visit options available by appointment. The institution may also offer religious services, library access, and recreational activities as part of its comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. Case management services are typically available to help individuals plan for their eventual reintegration into the community, which may include assistance with housing, employment preparation, and connecting with community-based support services upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Manson Youth Institution in Cheshire follow structured schedules that accommodate both adult general population inmates and juvenile offenders, with different visitation allowances reflecting their distinct needs. Adult inmates may receive up to two visits per week including one weekend visit, while juveniles have expanded opportunities with up to five weekly visits. All visits, whether in-person or video, operate by appointment dedicated through the facility’s request form system and last one hour within scheduled time slots. The institution maintains strict protocols requiring visitors to be on approved, active lists and follow appropriate attire guidelines.

The facility operates as a Level 4 security institution serving dual populations, which typically means residents experience more restrictive movement and supervision throughout their day. Educational programming appears central to operations, with the institution housing MYI USD #1 school district that can be contacted directly for academic matters. Like most Connecticut correctional facilities, residents likely participate in structured daily activities including meals, educational programming, recreation periods, and work assignments, though specific schedules may vary based on housing location and security classification.

Communication with family members extends beyond visits through standard correctional channels, though the facility emphasizes that visit scheduling depends on housing assignments - if an inmate transfers to a different housing location, existing visits require rescheduling. The institution’s location on Jarvis Street in Cheshire provides a setting where residents typically maintain connections with their communities while participating in rehabilitation programming designed to support their eventual reintegration.