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 Northwest State Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Northwest State 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 Northwest State Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Northwest State 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 Northwest State Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Northwest State 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 Northwest State 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 Northwest State 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 Northwest State 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 Northwest State Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Northwest State Correctional Facility
   3649 Lower Newton Rd
   St. Albans Town, VT 05488
   Phone: (802) 524-6771

5. What are the visiting hours at Northwest State Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Northwest State 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 (802) 524-6771 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 Northwest State 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 Northwest State Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Northwest State Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Northwest State 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 Northwest State Correctional Facility?

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

Comprehensive opportunities for personal transformation and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitative efforts for those incarcerated at Northwest State Corrections Facility. The facility's approach emphasizes structured pathways that enable individuals to build meaningful foundations for successful community reintegration while maintaining the security and safety protocols essential to institutional operations. Through carefully designed offerings, participants may access resources that address both immediate educational needs and long-term career preparation within a controlled environment that prioritizes both personal growth and public safety.

Educational services typically encompass a broad spectrum of academic support, ranging from fundamental literacy programs designed to strengthen reading and writing capabilities to more advanced coursework that may prepare individuals for post-secondary education or professional certification. These structured learning environments often provide flexible scheduling to accommodate various skill levels and learning paces. Additionally, vocational programs may furnish hands-on training in practical trades and technical skills, offering those incarcerated the opportunity to develop marketable competencies that align with regional employment demands and industry standards.

Therapeutic services often include counseling and behavioral interventions that address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior, while community service opportunities may allow participants to contribute meaningfully to facility operations and local initiatives. Building maintenance programs typically provide valuable work experience in essential facility upkeep, fostering both technical skills and workplace responsibility. Furthermore, comprehensive reentry preparation services may encompass job placement assistance, housing coordination, and transition planning, ensuring that those approaching release possess the practical tools and support networks necessary for successful community reintegration and reduced recidivism rates.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds continue to play a vital role in shaping the daily experience for those incarcerated at Northwest State Corrections Facility, where structured routines currently provide a framework that allows residents to maintain meaningful relationships both within the facility and with loved ones on the outside. The day typically begins with early morning counts and moves through scheduled meal times, work assignments, and programming activities that furnish opportunities for personal growth and community engagement. Those incarcerated generally follow a consistent schedule that includes time for educational programs, vocational training, and recreational activities, while security procedures ensure safety throughout the facility's operations.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of housing units that may include both dormitory-style and individual cell arrangements, depending on security classification and available space. Those incarcerated usually share common areas for dining, where meals are served at designated times and often provide opportunities for social interaction and community building among residents. Additionally, personal property allowances generally permit individuals to maintain some personal items and access commissary services, which help residents maintain connections to their preferences and needs while adapting to the structured environment.

While daily routines provide necessary structure, the facility typically offers various recreational and exercise opportunities that allow those incarcerated to maintain physical fitness and engage in social activities with fellow residents. Programming schedules generally include educational classes, substance abuse treatment, and other rehabilitative services that may help individuals prepare for successful reintegration into their communities. Family connections remain particularly important, as visitation policies usually allow for regular contact with loved ones, and communication options such as phone calls and correspondence help those incarcerated maintain vital relationships that often serve as sources of support and motivation throughout their period of incarceration.