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 Kern State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at North Kern State Prison 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 Kern State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about North Kern State Prison

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 Kern State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to North Kern State Prison?

   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 Kern State Prison?

   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 Kern State Prison. 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 Kern State Prison. 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 Kern State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   North Kern State Prison
   2737 W Cecil Ave
   Delano, CA 93215
   Phone: (661) 721-2345

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at North Kern State Prison?

   Visiting hours at North Kern State Prison 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) 721-2345 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 Kern State Prison?

   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 Kern State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at North Kern State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at North Kern State Prison 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 Kern State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At North Kern State Prison, 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 Kern State Prison?

   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 Kern State Prison 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 Kern State Prison, 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 Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program at North Kern State Prison represents a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to addressing addiction among the incarcerated population. This cross-divisional program, implemented in partnership with California Correctional Health Care Services, offers multiple pathways to treatment through Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) programs. These include intensive outpatient treatment requiring 2 hours daily for 52 weeks, standard outpatient programming for 14 weeks, and life skills training spanning 29 weeks, each tailored to different medical classifications and treatment needs.

Educational and vocational opportunities form another cornerstone of programming at the facility. Academic services typically include Adult Basic Education, High School/GED preparation, and English as a Second Language instruction to help participants develop fundamental literacy and communication skills. The vocational training program offers hands-on instruction in Small Engine Repair and Electrical Work, providing practical skills that may support successful reentry into the community. Additionally, the facility operates Prison Industry Authority (PIA) programs focused on health care facility maintenance, which may offer work experience and job training opportunities.

Support services at North Kern State Prison often encompass religious programming, self-help groups, and substance abuse treatment programs beyond the specialized ISUDT offerings. These programs typically work together to address the diverse needs of the incarcerated population, focusing on personal development, accountability, and the development of coping strategies. The facility may also provide additional counseling services, recreational activities, and reentry preparation programs designed to support successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Incarcerated individuals at North Kern State Prison in Delano follow structured routines centered around the facility's comprehensive programming offerings. The prison operates multiple facilities (A, B, C, and D) with distinct mailing addresses, suggesting separate housing units that likely maintain their own schedules for meals, recreation, and program participation. Those enrolled in the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program typically dedicate significant portions of their day to structured therapeutic activities, with some participants attending Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for 2 hours daily, 5 days per week throughout their 52-week program completion.

Educational and vocational opportunities form a central part of the weekly schedule, with individuals potentially attending Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, or English as a Second Language classes during designated morning or afternoon blocks. The facility's vocational programs in Small Engine Repair and Electrical Work typically operate on workshop schedules, allowing participants to develop practical skills alongside their academic pursuits. Religious services and self-help groups may provide additional structure during evening hours or weekends, offering spiritual support and peer interaction opportunities.

Family connections remain vital through the facility's visitation program and communication policies. Loved ones can maintain contact by writing to the appropriate facility address (A, B, C, or D) based on the individual's current housing assignment, and the institution typically facilitates both in-person visits and phone communications according to established schedules. The prison's location on West Cecil Avenue in Delano provides families with access to visiting facilities, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary based on security classifications and current operational requirements.