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 Woodbourne Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about NYSDOC Woodbourne 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 Woodbourne Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   NYSDOC Woodbourne Correctional Facility
   99 Prison Rd
   Woodbourne, NY 12788
   Phone: (845) 434-7730

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

   Visiting hours at NYSDOC Woodbourne 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 (845) 434-7730 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 Woodbourne 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 Woodbourne Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Educational and vocational programs form a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Woodbourne Correctional Facility, working alongside comprehensive substance abuse treatment and counseling services to support incarcerated individuals in their journey toward successful reintegration. The facility provides alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs, anger management courses, and trauma programs that address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior. Educational opportunities typically include academic instruction ranging from basic literacy to GED preparation, while vocational training may offer skill development in various trades to enhance employment prospects upon release.

The facility's approach to rehabilitation extends beyond traditional programming through family development initiatives and transitional services that help maintain crucial family connections and prepare individuals for their eventual return to the community. Guidance and counseling services provide ongoing mental health support, while specialized programs such as sex offender treatment address specific rehabilitation needs. Religious services offer spiritual guidance and community support, complemented by recreational programs that promote physical wellness and positive social interaction.

Support services at Woodbourne may include comprehensive library and law library access, allowing residents to pursue legal research and continue their education independently. Veterans services typically provide specialized support for formerly enlisted individuals, while volunteer services and programs often bring community members into the facility to offer additional mentorship and skill-building opportunities. Temporary release programs may allow eligible individuals to gradually transition back into society through work release or educational furloughs, supported by the facility's transitional services that help coordinate housing, employment, and continued treatment upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Weekend visitation at Woodbourne Correctional Facility operates from 8:15 AM to 2:45 PM, with the latest arrival time at 2:15 PM, providing incarcerated individuals with regular opportunities to maintain family connections. Located on Prison Road in Woodbourne, New York, this medium-security facility for males serves Sullivan County and maintains structured visiting policies that allow up to three visitors plus one child under five per visit. The facility's visiting room operates on an unlimited daily visit basis, though overcrowding policies prioritize longer-distance visitors when space becomes limited.

The structured environment at Woodbourne typically includes access to various educational and vocational programs designed to support rehabilitation and skill development. Incarcerated individuals may participate in substance abuse treatment, anger management courses, and educational opportunities through the facility's programming structure. The institution maintains both a general library and law library, providing resources for personal development and legal research. Religious services and recreational programs offer additional outlets for personal growth and physical activity within the facility's daily schedule.

Family connections remain a priority through the facility's comprehensive visitation program, which operates on weekends and holidays with specific scheduling protocols. Those in the Special Housing Unit receive modified visitation privileges, with one non-legal visit permitted within each seven-day period. The facility also typically offers various support services including guidance and counseling, trauma programs, and transitional services to help prepare individuals for eventual reintegration. Veterans services and volunteer programs may provide additional community connections and specialized support for eligible participants throughout their incarceration.