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 McDowell County Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at McDowell County Corrections 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 McDowell County Corrections.

Frequently asked questions about McDowell County Corrections

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 McDowell County Corrections.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to McDowell County Corrections?

   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 McDowell County Corrections?

   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 McDowell County Corrections. 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 McDowell County Corrections. 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 McDowell County Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   McDowell County Corrections
   50 Court St
   Welch, WV 24801
   Phone: (304) 436-8530

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at McDowell County Corrections?

   Visiting hours at McDowell County Corrections 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 (304) 436-8530 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 McDowell County Corrections?

   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 McDowell County Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at McDowell County Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at McDowell County Corrections 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 McDowell County Corrections?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At McDowell County Corrections, 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 McDowell County Corrections?

   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 McDowell County Corrections 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 McDowell County Corrections, 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

Stevens Correctional Center, operating as McDowell County Corrections in West Virginia, maintains a mission centered on providing safe, secure, and humane conditions while enhancing correctional services for its minimum to medium security state inmate population. As a county-owned facility contracted through the West Virginia Division of Corrections, the center typically focuses on being responsive to both inmate needs and staff concerns in its service delivery approach.

The facility may offer educational programming that could include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy courses to help inmates develop fundamental academic skills. Vocational training opportunities might encompass programs in areas such as construction trades, food service, or maintenance skills that align with local employment opportunities upon release. Additionally, the center likely provides counseling services that may include substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and behavioral modification programs designed to address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior.

Support services at the facility typically include medical and dental care, library access, and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being. The center may also facilitate religious services and chaplaincy programs, along with family visitation opportunities that help maintain important community connections. Work programs within the facility often provide inmates with job skills and work experience while contributing to facility operations, potentially including food service, maintenance, and administrative support roles that prepare individuals for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Stevens Correctional Center/McDowell County Corrections operates as a county-owned facility under contract with the West Virginia Division of Corrections, housing minimum to medium security state inmates in a structured environment designed to balance safety with rehabilitation. The facility's mission centers on providing a safe, secure, and humane atmosphere for all residents, staff, and the surrounding community while maintaining responsive correctional services that address individual inmate needs and staff concerns.

Inmates at the facility typically follow structured daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities appropriate for their security classification levels. As a minimum to medium security facility, residents often have access to various programs aimed at skill development and preparation for eventual reintegration into the community. The facility generally maintains visiting procedures that allow families to maintain contact with their loved ones, though specific scheduling and guidelines would need to be confirmed directly with the facility administration.

Communication between inmates and their families is typically facilitated through approved phone systems and correspondence policies standard to West Virginia correctional facilities. The center's focus on being responsive to inmate needs suggests that staff work to address individual concerns while maintaining the security protocols necessary for a safe institutional environment. Families seeking specific information about visiting hours, communication policies, or daily programming are encouraged to contact the facility directly for the most current guidelines and procedures.