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 PJC Jean Coutu.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at PJC Jean Coutu 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 PJC Jean Coutu.

Frequently asked questions about PJC Jean Coutu

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 PJC Jean Coutu.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to PJC Jean Coutu?

   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 PJC Jean Coutu?

   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 PJC Jean Coutu. 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 PJC Jean Coutu. 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 PJC Jean Coutu?

   Mailing address:

   PJC Jean Coutu
   550 Av. du Phare E
   Matane, QC G4W 1A7
   Phone: (418) 566-2894

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at PJC Jean Coutu?

   Visiting hours at PJC Jean Coutu 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 (418) 566-2894 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 PJC Jean Coutu?

   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 PJC Jean Coutu for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at PJC Jean Coutu?

   You can send money to an inmate at PJC Jean Coutu 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 PJC Jean Coutu?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At PJC Jean Coutu, 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 PJC Jean Coutu?

   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 PJC Jean Coutu 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 PJC Jean Coutu, 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 forms the cornerstone of rehabilitation services, where inmates engage in structured opportunities designed to address underlying challenges and build essential life skills. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that recognizes each individual's potential for positive change. Through carefully designed interventions, participants often develop the tools necessary to successfully reintegrate into their communities while addressing the root causes that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Educational advancement serves as a fundamental pathway to transformation, with services that may include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities. These academic programs often work alongside vocational training initiatives that provide hands-on experience in practical trades. Inmates frequently participate in specialized training programs, including plumbing instruction, which equips them with marketable skills for post-release employment. Such vocational services typically focus on industries with strong job placement potential, helping participants build both technical competence and workplace readiness.

In addition to this educational foundation, comprehensive support services address the complex needs that many inmates face during their rehabilitation journey. Substance abuse treatment programs may provide both individual and group counseling sessions, helping participants develop coping strategies and maintain long-term recovery. Reentry preparation services often include practical life skills training, job search assistance, and community resource connections that ease the transition back into society. These therapeutic and support services typically work together to create a network of assistance that extends beyond the facility walls, promoting sustained positive change in participants' lives.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at this correctional facility create a structured environment where inmates now navigate carefully regulated living spaces. Inmates regularly adapt to shared accommodations that typically include dormitory-style housing or smaller residential units, depending on classification levels and available space. Daily routines generally begin early with scheduled counts and meal service, followed by work assignments or programming activities that provide essential structure throughout the day.

Living conditions within the facility typically feature basic furnishings and personal storage areas where inmates may keep approved personal items and commissary purchases. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with inmates following established procedures for movement between housing units and common areas. Despite this structured environment, inmates often find ways to personalize their living spaces within facility guidelines, creating small areas of comfort and familiarity.

In addition to this daily structure, the facility may offer various recreational opportunities such as outdoor exercise periods, library access, and indoor activities that help inmates maintain physical and mental well-being. Work assignments typically include facility maintenance, kitchen duties, or other institutional jobs that provide both structure and potential skill development. Family connections are generally maintained through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, allowing inmates to preserve important relationships during their incarceration. These communication opportunities, along with potential programming activities, help inmates maintain connections to the outside community while adapting to the realities of institutional life.