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 Oakhill Correctional Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Oakhill Correctional Institute 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 Oakhill Correctional Institute.

Frequently asked questions about Oakhill Correctional Institute

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 Oakhill Correctional Institute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Oakhill Correctional Institute?

   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 Oakhill Correctional Institute?

   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 Oakhill Correctional Institute. 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 Oakhill Correctional Institute. 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 Oakhill Correctional Institute?

   Mailing address:

   Oakhill Correctional Institute
   5212 County Hwy M
   Oregon, WI 53575
   Phone: (608) 835-3101

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Oakhill Correctional Institute?

   Visiting hours at Oakhill Correctional Institute 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 (608) 835-3101 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 Oakhill Correctional Institute?

   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 Oakhill Correctional Institute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Oakhill Correctional Institute?

   You can send money to an inmate at Oakhill Correctional Institute 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 Oakhill Correctional Institute?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Oakhill Correctional Institute, 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 Oakhill Correctional Institute?

   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 Oakhill Correctional Institute 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 Oakhill Correctional Institute, 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 Wisconsin Department of Corrections emphasizes preparing minimum security offenders for successful community reintegration through Oakhill Correctional Institution’s comprehensive programming approach. The facility focuses on providing education, treatment programs, work release opportunities, and pre-release programming within a supportive environment designed to address the diverse needs of those preparing for release. This emphasis on community preparation reflects the institution’s commitment to reducing recidivism through evidence-based rehabilitation services.

Educational opportunities at Oakhill typically include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs that help individuals develop fundamental academic skills needed for employment and daily life. The facility may offer vocational training programs in various trades, computer literacy courses, and life skills workshops that cover topics such as financial management, job search techniques, and communication skills. Treatment programming often encompasses substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and cognitive-behavioral interventions designed to address underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.

Work release programs provide participants with the opportunity to maintain employment in the community while serving their sentence, allowing them to develop job skills, earn income, and establish connections that support successful reintegration. Pre-release programming typically includes transitional planning services, housing assistance coordination, and community resource connections. The facility may also offer recreational activities, religious services, and family programming to maintain important social connections. Additionally, Oakhill operates a specialized medical unit at UW Hospitals and Clinics, providing maximum security medical care for inmates from throughout the Wisconsin correctional system who require specialized treatment.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Oakhill Correctional Institution in Oregon, Wisconsin, inmates experience a structured environment designed around preparation for community reintegration. As a minimum security facility, residents typically have more freedom of movement within the grounds and participate in various programming throughout the day. The institution’s emphasis on education, treatment programs, and work release opportunities shapes much of the daily routine, with inmates often attending classes, counseling sessions, or reporting to work assignments both within the facility and in the surrounding community.

Family connections remain an important part of life at OCI, with the facility providing comprehensive visitor guides in both English and Spanish to help families navigate the visitation process. The institution has resumed in-person visitation, allowing inmates to maintain meaningful relationships with loved ones during their incarceration. Communication with family members may also include monitored phone calls and correspondence, with specific policies outlined in the inmate handbook available in multiple languages. The facility’s commitment to supporting family relationships reflects its overall mission of preparing offenders for successful community reentry.

The historic setting of OCI, originally opened as the Wisconsin School for Girls in 1941 and now listed in the State Historical Society Register, provides a comprehensive backdrop for daily activities. Inmates typically follow a structured schedule that may include educational programming, vocational training, recreational activities, and work assignments. The facility’s pre-release programming becomes particularly important for those nearing the end of their sentences, focusing on practical skills and support systems needed for successful reintegration into the community.