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 Parish Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Parish Jail 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 Parish Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Parish Jail

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 Parish Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Parish Jail?

   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 Parish Jail?

   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 Parish Jail. 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 Parish Jail. 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 Parish Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Parish Jail
   1002 Main St
   Franklinton, LA 70438
   Phone: (985) 839-3434

   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 Parish Jail?

   Visiting hours at Parish Jail 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 (985) 839-3434 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 Parish Jail?

   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 Parish Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Parish Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Parish Jail 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 Parish Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Parish Jail, 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 Parish Jail?

   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 Parish Jail 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 Parish Jail, 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

Personal growth and skill development take center stage through carefully structured opportunities designed to prepare those incarcerated for successful community reintegration. The facility's comprehensive approach emphasizes building practical capabilities while fostering personal responsibility and positive behavioral changes. These offerings typically operate within a secure environment that prioritizes safety while encouraging meaningful participation and self-improvement.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of available opportunities, with education programs that may furnish basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and academic skill building. Computer literacy training often includes fundamental technology skills that prove essential in today's workforce, helping participants develop digital competencies they can apply upon release. Additionally, vocational training offerings typically focus on marketable trades and practical skills that enhance employment prospects, providing hands-on experience in various fields that align with regional job market demands.

Support services play a vital role in addressing personal development needs, with faith-based services offering spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking religious or moral support. The facility may also provide specialized training in barbering and cosmetology, which can lead to licensure opportunities and establish pathways to entrepreneurship or steady employment. These therapeutic and skill-based offerings often include counseling components that address underlying issues while building confidence and professional capabilities that extend well beyond the facility walls.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and peer relationships form the foundation of daily life for those incarcerated at Washington Parish Jail. Those who are housed here now find themselves navigating a structured environment where maintaining bonds with loved ones becomes both a priority and a source of strength. The facility regularly emphasizes the importance of community support systems, recognizing that these connections often play a crucial role in successful reintegration.

The daily routine typically begins early with scheduled count times and meal service. Those incarcerated generally move through their day following established protocols that include work assignments, programming activities, and designated periods for personal time. Housing units are typically organized to accommodate varying security levels and individual needs, with dormitory-style arrangements being common. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, furnishing opportunities for social interaction within the structured environment. Recreation periods may include access to outdoor areas, television viewing, and organized activities that help maintain physical and mental well-being.

Additionally, the facility generally provides various opportunities for those incarcerated to stay connected with their support networks. Visitation policies typically allow for regular contact with family members and approved visitors, while telephone access and correspondence help maintain these vital relationships. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and cleaning responsibilities that provide structure and purpose to daily routines. While programming schedules may vary, educational opportunities and counseling services are often available to help individuals prepare for their eventual return to the community. The commissary system usually allows those incarcerated to purchase personal items and snacks, providing some level of personal choice within the institutional setting.