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 Menard Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Menard 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 Menard Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Menard Correctional Center
   711 E Kaskaskia St
   Chester, IL 62259
   Phone: (618) 826-5071

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Menard Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Menard 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 (618) 826-5071 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 Menard 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 Menard Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Personal transformation begins with access to meaningful opportunities, and those incarcerated at Menard Correctional Center may find pathways toward positive change through a structured framework of developmental offerings. The facility typically emphasizes security and safety while creating an environment where participants can build essential skills for successful reintegration. This approach often includes maintaining clear expectations and consistent routines that support both personal growth and institutional stability.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility’s developmental approach, with education services that may furnish academic instruction across various skill levels. Those incarcerated often have opportunities to work toward completing their high school equivalency or developing fundamental literacy and numeracy skills. Moreover, vocational training in welding typically provides hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and techniques. These practical skills offerings are often designed to align with regional employment demands, giving participants marketable abilities that may enhance their prospects upon release.

Support services and therapeutic interventions round out the comprehensive approach to personal development at the facility. Mental health treatment may furnish professional counseling and psychiatric care for those who need it, while specialized therapeutic offerings often include grief counseling and anger management sessions. These services typically address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Moreover, practical support through identification document assistance helps ensure those preparing for release have the necessary paperwork to secure employment and housing, creating a more structured transition back to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building connections with family members and fellow residents forms the cornerstone of daily experiences for those incarcerated at Menard Correctional Center. Today’s structured environment consistently revolves around maintaining these vital relationships while navigating the facility’s established routines. The rhythm of institutional life typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meals served in communal dining areas where social interactions naturally develop among residents from various housing units.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing, where those incarcerated often form supportive relationships with their cellmates and unit neighbors. These living arrangements may foster a sense of community as residents share common spaces and daily experiences. Moreover, the dining hall serves as a central gathering place where meal times furnish opportunities for conversation and connection, though security protocols typically govern these interactions to maintain facility safety.

Whereas the structured programming schedules include work assignments in areas such as kitchen services, maintenance, or facility operations, recreational activities also provide meaningful outlets for social engagement. The facility usually offers exercise periods, library access, and various programs that help residents maintain physical and mental well-being. Communication with family members typically occurs through scheduled visitation periods and phone calls, which serve as crucial lifelines to the outside community. Those incarcerated may also access commissary services to purchase personal items, often sharing resources and supporting one another through these connections that help sustain hope and maintain family bonds during their time at the facility.