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 Ozark Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Ozark Correctional Center 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 Ozark Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Ozark Correctional Center

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 Ozark Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Ozark Correctional Center?

   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 Ozark Correctional Center?

   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 Ozark Correctional Center. 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 Ozark Correctional Center. 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 Ozark Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Ozark Correctional Center
   929 Honor Camp Ln
   Fordland, MO 65652
   Phone: (417) 767-4491

5. What are the visiting hours at Ozark Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Ozark Correctional Center 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 (417) 767-4491 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 Ozark Correctional Center?

   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 Ozark Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Ozark Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Ozark Correctional Center 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 Ozark Correctional Center?

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

   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 Ozark Correctional Center 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 Ozark Correctional Center, 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

Located in Fordland, Missouri, Ozark Corrections Center operates as a minimum-security facility that emphasizes rehabilitation and community reintegration for individuals nearing the end of their sentences. The facility’s minimum-security classification typically allows for expanded programming opportunities and greater focus on preparing residents for successful return to their communities.

Educational and vocational programming at the facility may include adult basic education (ABE) and General Educational Development (GED) preparation to help individuals complete their high school equivalency. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills that support employment upon release, such as construction trades, maintenance, or food service training. The facility typically offers substance abuse treatment programs, including both group and individual counseling sessions, recognizing that addressing addiction issues is crucial for successful reintegration. Mental health services may also be available to support individuals dealing with various psychological challenges.

Religious and spiritual services are coordinated through the facility’s chaplaincy program, which provides worship services, religious counseling, and faith-based programming for various denominations. Additional support services may include life skills training, pre-release planning assistance, and work programs that allow residents to gain practical experience while contributing to facility operations. The center’s visiting schedule accommodates family connections with weekend visitation blocks, supporting the maintenance of important relationships that can aid in successful community transition upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visitation at Ozark Corrections Center operates on a structured weekend schedule, with two blocks available on Saturdays and Sundays - the established from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the second from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This minimum security facility, located on Honor Camp Lane in Fordland, Missouri, typically maintains a more relaxed atmosphere compared to higher security institutions, allowing for meaningful connections between residents and their families during these designated visiting periods.

As a minimum security institution, daily routines at Ozark Corrections Center often emphasize rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration into the community. Residents may participate in work programs, educational opportunities, and various programming designed to develop job skills and address underlying issues. The facility’s classification as an “honor camp” suggests that residents have typically demonstrated good behavior and are considered lower risk, which may allow for greater freedom of movement within the facility grounds and participation in outdoor work details or community service projects.

Spiritual support plays an important role in daily life, with Chaplain Brian Barkhoff available to provide religious services and counseling to residents of various faith backgrounds. The chaplain can be reached at extension 2268, indicating that spiritual care is readily accessible to those who seek it. Like other Missouri Department of Corrections facilities, residents likely follow a structured daily schedule that includes meals, count times, work assignments, and recreational periods, all designed to maintain order while providing opportunities for personal growth and skill development in preparation for eventual release.