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 NYSDOC Orleans Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at NYSDOC Orleans 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 NYSDOC Orleans Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about NYSDOC Orleans 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 NYSDOC Orleans Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to NYSDOC Orleans 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 NYSDOC Orleans 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 NYSDOC Orleans 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 NYSDOC Orleans 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 NYSDOC Orleans Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   NYSDOC Orleans Correctional Facility
   3531 Gaines Basin Rd
   Albion, NY 14411
   Phone: (585) 589-6820

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at NYSDOC Orleans Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at NYSDOC Orleans 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 (585) 589-6820 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 NYSDOC Orleans 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 NYSDOC Orleans Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at NYSDOC Orleans Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at NYSDOC Orleans 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 NYSDOC Orleans Correctional Facility?

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

The comprehensive program structure at Orleans Correctional Facility reflects New York State’s commitment to rehabilitation and successful reintegration. The facility provides alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs alongside anger management services, recognizing that addressing underlying behavioral issues is essential for reducing recidivism. Educational and vocational programs form a cornerstone of the facility’s offerings, while family development programs help maintain crucial connections between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. Additionally, the facility provides guidance and counseling services, library and law library access, and specialized sex offender treatment programs for those who require them.

Orleans Correctional Facility’s program portfolio extends to include religious services, recreational programs, and trauma-informed care to address the diverse needs of its population. The facility typically offers temporary release programs that may help eligible individuals transition back into the community, along with transitional services designed to support successful reentry. Veterans services are available to address the comprehensive needs of formerly incarcerated military personnel, while volunteer services and programs often provide additional support and mentorship opportunities. These comprehensive services work together to create a structured environment focused on personal growth and skill development.

The facility’s approach to programming emphasizes both individual accountability and community support. Through its various counseling and treatment initiatives, Orleans Correctional Facility may offer group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and specialized workshops that address specific behavioral concerns. The educational components likely include GED preparation, adult basic education, and vocational training that can provide marketable skills upon release. This multi-faceted approach to rehabilitation aims to equip individuals with the tools necessary for successful community reintegration while serving their sentences in a medium-security environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Weekends bring the most anticipated moments for incarcerated individuals at Orleans Correctional Facility, as visiting hours from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM offer crucial connections with family members. Up to three visitors plus one child under five may visit during these designated times, with the visiting room accommodating forty visits simultaneously. The facility’s visitation schedule divides weekend access by the last digit of each person’s Department Identification Number (DIN), ensuring organized flow while holiday visits remain open to all individuals regardless of their assigned schedule.

The medium-security environment at Orleans Correctional Facility typically structures daily routines around count times, meals, work assignments, and program participation. Incarcerated individuals may engage in various educational and vocational programs throughout the week, along with recreational activities and library access. The facility often provides alcohol and substance abuse treatment, anger management courses, and guidance counseling services as part of rehabilitation efforts. Religious services and volunteer programs may also offer meaningful ways to spend time and develop personal growth during incarceration.

For those in the Special Housing Unit, visitation becomes more restricted to one non-legal visit per seven-day period, highlighting how housing assignments can significantly impact family contact. Communication with loved ones typically includes monitored phone calls and written correspondence, though specific policies may vary. The facility’s location in Albion serves Orleans County and surrounding areas, with many individuals maintaining connections to Western New York communities throughout their incarceration period.