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 NDCS Reception and Treatment Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment Center.

Frequently asked questions about NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment Center?

   Mailing address:

   NDCS Reception and Treatment Center
   3218 W Van Dorn St
   Lincoln, NE 68522
   Phone: (402) 471-2861

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at NDCS Reception and Treatment Center?

   Visiting hours at NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 (402) 471-2861 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at NDCS Reception and Treatment Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment 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 NDCS Reception and Treatment 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

Based on the website information, I notice there may be some confusion in your request. The website content provided is for the Reception and Treatment Center (RTC) in Lincoln, Nebraska, not the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center. However, I can provide information about services and programs that would typically be available at a diagnostic and evaluation facility in Nebraska's correctional system.

Mental health assessment and treatment services form the cornerstone of operations at diagnostic and evaluation facilities, with specialized clinicians conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations to determine appropriate placement and treatment needs for incoming individuals. These facilities typically offer intensive counseling programs, psychiatric services, and crisis intervention support as part of their diagnostic process. Educational assessment services may also be available to evaluate academic levels and learning needs, helping to develop individualized education plans for those requiring continued schooling or literacy support.

The facility likely provides medical evaluation services to assess physical health conditions and ongoing healthcare needs, ensuring continuity of care as individuals move through the correctional system. Substance abuse screening and initial treatment planning may be offered to address addiction issues identified during the intake process. Additionally, the center might provide vocational assessment services to evaluate work skills and interests, supporting future job placement and training opportunities. Case management services typically coordinate these various assessments and help develop comprehensive treatment and placement recommendations for each individual processed through the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Reception and Treatment Center (RTC) in Lincoln serves as Nebraska's primary intake facility for male offenders, combining initial processing with ongoing general population housing and specialized healthcare services. Located at 3218 West Van Dorn Street, this facility operates as the agency's healthcare center of excellence, providing comprehensive medical and mental health services that shape the daily experiences of those housed there.

Individuals at RTC typically begin their day with structured count procedures and meal service, followed by various programming opportunities that may include educational classes, vocational training, or therapeutic interventions. The facility's role as a healthcare center of excellence means many residents have access to specialized medical appointments, mental health counseling sessions, and treatment programs throughout the week. Work assignments within the facility often include maintenance duties, food service, and support roles that help maintain daily operations while providing valuable job skills.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at RTC, with visitation scheduling available through the facility's established procedures. Those wishing to visit can contact the facility directly at 402.471.2861 to arrange appointments and learn about current visitation policies. The facility also typically supports communication through monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping residents maintain relationships with loved ones during their time at the center. Recreation periods, library access, and religious services often round out the weekly schedule, providing opportunities for personal development and community interaction within the secure environment.