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 Newport News Juvenile Detention.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Newport News Juvenile Detention 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 Newport News Juvenile Detention.

Frequently asked questions about Newport News Juvenile Detention

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 Newport News Juvenile Detention.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Newport News Juvenile Detention?

   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 Newport News Juvenile Detention?

   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 Newport News Juvenile Detention. 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 Newport News Juvenile Detention. 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 Newport News Juvenile Detention?

   Mailing address:

   Newport News Juvenile Detention
   350 25th St
   Newport News, VA 23607
   Phone: (757) 926-1600

   Business hours:

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

5. What are the visiting hours at Newport News Juvenile Detention?

   Visiting hours at Newport News Juvenile Detention 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 (757) 926-1600 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 Newport News Juvenile Detention?

   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 Newport News Juvenile Detention for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Newport News Juvenile Detention?

   You can send money to an inmate at Newport News Juvenile Detention 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 Newport News Juvenile Detention?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Newport News Juvenile Detention, 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 Newport News Juvenile Detention?

   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 Newport News Juvenile Detention 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 Newport News Juvenile Detention, 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 Newport News Secure Detention Center operates with a comprehensive vision of supporting successful community re-entry through professional facility management and targeted programming for both pretrial and adjudicated juveniles. Serving primarily the cities of Newport News and Hampton, the facility emphasizes meeting the educational, physical, emotional, and social needs of detained youth while maintaining their constitutional rights and protecting them from discrimination based on race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or disability.

Medical and mental health care services form a cornerstone of the facility's programming, ensuring that residents receive necessary healthcare during their detention. The center typically provides educational services to help youth continue their academic progress, which may include classroom instruction, individualized learning plans, and educational assessments. Counseling and behavioral programs often focus on addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to delinquent behavior, while life skills training may help prepare residents for successful community reintegration.

The facility's approach centers on maintaining clean, safe environments while adhering to recognized correctional standards and security principles. Staff training in current correctional philosophy and techniques supports the delivery of various re-entry services, which may include family counseling, substance abuse education, anger management programs, and vocational readiness training. Recreation and physical fitness activities are often incorporated to address the physical and social development needs of detained youth, while case management services typically help coordinate individualized treatment plans and community transition planning.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Newport News Secure Detention Center operates with a clear dual mission that shapes every aspect of the residential experience for juveniles in their care. While providing secure housing for youth who may have been involved in activities that could harm the community, the facility simultaneously focuses on preparing residents for successful reintegration into society through structured programming and essential services.

Residents typically follow a structured daily schedule that balances security requirements with educational, physical, emotional, and social programming. The facility staff, trained in current correctional philosophy and techniques, work to maintain a safe environment while ensuring that all juveniles receive basic necessities including shelter, food, clothing, and medical care. Mental health services are often integrated into the daily routine, recognizing the complex needs of detained youth. Educational programming typically continues during detention, helping residents maintain academic progress while addressing any learning challenges they may face.

The center serves primarily Newport News and Hampton, adhering to strict policies that protect residents' constitutional rights while maintaining necessary security protocols. Family connections may be supported through structured visitation programs and communication opportunities, though specific policies would need to be confirmed directly with the facility. All programming and daily operations are designed to support the facility's vision of helping both pretrial and adjudicated juveniles successfully return to their communities, with staff maintaining clean, safe facilities that meet recognized standards in juvenile detention management.