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 North County Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at North County Correctional Facility 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 North County Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about North County Correctional Facility

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 North County Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to North County Correctional Facility?

   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 North County Correctional Facility?

   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 North County Correctional Facility. 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 North County Correctional Facility. 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 North County Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   North County Correctional Facility
   29340 The Old Rd
   Castaic, CA 91384
   Phone: (661) 295-7810

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at North County Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at North County Correctional Facility 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 (661) 295-7810 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 North County Correctional Facility?

   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 North County Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at North County Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at North County Correctional Facility 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 North County Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At North County Correctional Facility, 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 North County Correctional Facility?

   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 North County Correctional Facility 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 North County Correctional Facility, 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 serves as the cornerstone philosophy guiding service delivery at North County Corrections Facility, where comprehensive programming emphasizes the development of essential life skills and cognitive restructuring. The facility's approach to rehabilitation recognizes that meaningful change occurs through sustained engagement with evidence-based interventions that address both practical competencies and underlying behavioral patterns. Through carefully structured services, inmates may access opportunities designed to foster personal accountability, enhance decision-making capabilities, and cultivate the foundational skills necessary for successful community reintegration.

Educational initiatives typically encompass a broad spectrum of academic pursuits, ranging from basic literacy enhancement to advanced coursework that may prepare participants for post-secondary education or professional certification. Special education services often provide individualized support for inmates with learning differences, ensuring equitable access to educational advancement regardless of cognitive challenges or previous academic experiences. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational training services may offer hands-on instruction in marketable trades and technical skills, enabling participants to develop competencies that align with current employment market demands and provide pathways to economic stability upon release.

Rehabilitation programs frequently incorporate evidence-based therapeutic modalities that address substance abuse, mental health concerns, and criminal thinking patterns through structured group and individual sessions. Conflict resolution services may provide inmates with practical tools for managing interpersonal disputes and developing constructive communication strategies that prove invaluable in both institutional and community settings. In addition to these therapeutic interventions, landscaping services often serve dual purposes, offering vocational skill development while contributing to facility maintenance and providing inmates with opportunities to engage in meaningful, productive work that fosters a sense of accomplishment and environmental stewardship.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and metal fixtures of North County Corrections Facility create an institutional environment where inmates must navigate carefully structured surroundings designed for security and order. Within this controlled setting, daily life currently revolves around predictable routines that typically begin with early morning wake-up calls, followed by scheduled meal times, work assignments, and programming activities that continue throughout the day. The facility generally maintains consistent schedules that provide inmates with a framework for adapting to their temporary living situation while serving their sentences.

Housing units at the facility typically accommodate multiple inmates in dormitory-style arrangements or smaller cells, depending on classification levels and available space. Inmates generally receive basic bedding, personal hygiene items, and limited storage space for approved personal belongings, while common areas may include dayrooms with tables and seating where residents can interact during designated periods. Meals are usually served in centralized dining areas at scheduled times, with inmates following established procedures for movement between housing units and dining facilities.

In addition to this structured daily routine, the facility typically provides various recreational opportunities that may include outdoor exercise periods, indoor fitness activities, and access to television programming during specified hours. Work assignments often include kitchen duties, facility maintenance, laundry services, and other operational tasks that help inmates develop skills while contributing to facility operations. Despite this institutional environment, inmates generally have access to visitation opportunities and telephone privileges that allow them to maintain important connections with family members and approved contacts, providing emotional support that helps many residents adapt to their circumstances while working toward their eventual release.