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 Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility
   1501 Albert St
   Racine, WI 53404
   Phone: (262) 638-1999

   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 Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Racine Youthful Offender 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 (262) 638-1999 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 Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender 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 Racine Youthful Offender 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

The Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility emphasizes meaningful programs designed specifically for male offenders ages 18 through 24, recognizing the comprehensive developmental needs of this age group. Career Technical Education programs operate within a dedicated support building, providing vocational training opportunities that may include trades such as culinary arts, maintenance, and warehouse operations. Educational services are housed in specialized areas within the facility, typically offering basic education, GED preparation, and potentially post-secondary educational opportunities to help young adults build foundational skills for successful reentry.

Health services at RYOCF are designed to be accessible and comprehensive, addressing both physical and mental health needs that are particularly important for young adult populations. The facility may offer substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and life skills programming that focuses on personal responsibility and learning - core elements of the institution’s mission. Religious and spiritual services are supported through the multi-purpose room/chapel space, while recreational programming utilizes both indoor gymnasium facilities and an outdoor recreation field.

The facility’s approach to programming emphasizes creating positive, professional relationships between staff and offenders while fostering connections with the community. Support services may include case management, reentry planning, and family engagement programs that utilize the visiting room facilities. Given the facility’s location in an urban area, programming may also incorporate community partnerships and volunteer services, though the specific nature of these relationships would vary. The institution’s focus on this specific age demographic allows for age-appropriate interventions and programming that addresses the transitional challenges young adults face as they prepare for eventual community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Young adult offenders at the Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility experience structured days within a medium-security environment specifically designed for males ages 18 through 24. The facility’s 450 residents are housed in two main units, each containing 120 cells, creating a more manageable living environment compared to larger correctional institutions. The physical layout includes dedicated spaces for education, career technical training, healthcare, and recreation, with residents typically moving between these areas according to scheduled programming and work assignments throughout the day.

Family connections remain an important part of life at RYOCF, with visiting information available in both English and Spanish to accommodate diverse family needs. The facility maintains a dedicated visiting room where residents can meet with approved family members and friends during scheduled visitation periods. Communication with the outside world may also include monitored phone calls and correspondence, following standard Wisconsin Department of Corrections policies for mail and property management.

The institution’s focus on serving young adult offenders often translates to programming that emphasizes personal responsibility and learning opportunities. Residents typically participate in educational classes, career technical education programs, and may have work assignments within the facility’s food service, laundry, or warehouse operations. Recreation time usually includes access to the gymnasium and outdoor recreation field, providing outlets for physical activity and stress relief. Healthcare services are available on-site, with the facility maintaining dedicated health services areas to address both routine and urgent medical needs of this younger adult population.