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 River North Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about River North 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 River North Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   River North Correctional Center
   329 Dellbrook Ln
   Independence, VA 24348
   Phone: (276) 773-2518

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at River North Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at River North 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 (276) 773-2518 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 River North 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 River North Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at River North 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 River North Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At River North 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 River North 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 River North 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 River North 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

Through comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives, River North Correctional Center demonstrates its commitment to fostering meaningful transformation within the population. The facility's approach centers on addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals through carefully structured programs that emphasize skill development, personal growth, and successful community reintegration. This holistic methodology recognizes that effective rehabilitation requires addressing educational deficits, vocational preparation, and underlying behavioral patterns that may have contributed to incarceration.

The educational and vocational components typically form the foundation of the facility's programming structure. Education programs may supply opportunities for individuals to complete their high school equivalency or pursue post-secondary coursework, while computer literacy initiatives often prepare participants for an increasingly digital workforce. Furthermore, vocational training programs frequently encompass various trades and technical skills, with culinary arts representing a particularly comprehensive offering that combines practical skill development with potential career pathways in the food service industry.

Complementing these foundational elements, the facility's support services address the psychological and social dimensions of rehabilitation. Cognitive behavioral programs typically focus on helping the population develop critical thinking skills and modify problematic thought patterns that may influence decision-making processes. Additionally, parenting classes often provide essential guidance for maintaining and strengthening family relationships, recognizing that stable family connections frequently serve as crucial factors in successful reintegration. These therapeutic interventions may supply participants with tools for managing stress, resolving conflicts constructively, and building the interpersonal skills necessary for productive community engagement upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The carefully orchestrated daily framework at River North Correctional Center creates a structured environment where every aspect of the population's routine flows according to established institutional protocols. Today's schedule typically begins with early morning counts and continues through a series of consistently timed activities that supply both order and purposeful engagement throughout the facility. The population generally moves through their day following predetermined schedules that include meal periods, work assignments, educational programming, and recreational opportunities, all designed to maintain security while providing meaningful structure.

Housing arrangements within the facility typically consist of dormitory-style units or individual cells, depending on security classification and available space. The population generally shares common areas for dining, where meals are served at regularly scheduled times in a cafeteria-style setting that accommodates the facility's capacity. Personal property allowances usually include basic hygiene items, approved clothing, and limited personal effects, while commissary services may offer additional items for purchase. Furthermore, living spaces are subject to regular inspections and security procedures that maintain institutional safety standards.

Structured programming schedules often include work assignments in areas such as food service, maintenance, laundry operations, or facility grounds keeping, providing the population with job skills and daily purpose. Recreation and exercise opportunities typically supply both indoor and outdoor activities, including gymnasium access, yard time, and organized sports when weather and security conditions permit. Although visitation policies vary based on security level and individual circumstances, family connections are generally maintained through scheduled visiting hours, telephone privileges, and correspondence services that help preserve important relationships during incarceration.