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 Riverbend Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Riverbend 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 Riverbend Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Riverbend 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 Riverbend Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Riverbend 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 Riverbend 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 Riverbend 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 Riverbend 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 Riverbend Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Riverbend Correctional Facility
   196 Laying Farm Rd
   Milledgeville, GA 31061
   Phone: (478) 414-2300

5. What are the visiting hours at Riverbend Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Riverbend 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 (478) 414-2300 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 Riverbend 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 Riverbend Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Riverbend Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Riverbend 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 Riverbend Correctional Facility?

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

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of programming at Riverbend Correctional Facility, with academic offerings that include GED preparation, Adult Basic Education (ABE), literacy remedial education, and special education services. These educational programs work alongside vocational training opportunities in computer technology, building trades, and custodial maintenance, providing individuals with practical skills that may enhance their prospects upon release.

The facility's comprehensive counseling services address various aspects of rehabilitation and reintegration. Pre-release counseling helps prepare individuals for their transition back to the community, while specialized programs like Thinking for a Change (T4C) focus on cognitive behavioral interventions. The facility also provides family violence counseling and Moving for Change (M4C) programming. These therapeutic services are typically complemented by various worship services that support spiritual growth and community connection during incarceration.

Beyond formal programming, Riverbend may offer additional support services common to Georgia correctional facilities, such as substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and life skills workshops. General recreation activities provide opportunities for physical fitness and social interaction, while work details in outside grounds maintenance offer practical work experience. The facility's approach to housing different security levels—from minimum to medium custody—often allows for tailored programming that matches individual needs and security classifications, supporting the overall mission of public safety while preparing individuals for successful reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured environment at Riverbend Correctional Facility centers around its diverse housing arrangements, where residents may find themselves in dormitory-style pods accommodating up to 250 individuals or in two-person cells depending on their security classification. The facility's six housing units create distinct living communities, with four dormitory-style units featuring four pods each, while specialized housing includes a lockdown unit with segregation and isolation capabilities. This variety in accommodation typically allows for different daily routines based on housing assignment and security level.

Educational and vocational programming forms a cornerstone of daily activities, with residents often participating in GED preparation, Adult Basic Education, or literacy programs during designated hours. The facility's vocational offerings may include computer training, building trades instruction, and custodial maintenance programs that provide practical skills while contributing to facility operations. Counseling services such as pre-release preparation, Thinking for a Change (T4C), and family violence programs are typically scheduled throughout the week, while religious services accommodate various faith traditions for those who choose to participate.

Recreation and work assignments help structure the remaining portions of daily life, with general recreational activities providing physical outlets and social interaction opportunities. Outside grounds maintenance work details offer some residents the chance to work outdoors while contributing to facility upkeep. Communication with family and friends typically follows established schedules for phone calls and correspondence, while visitation procedures allow for regular contact with approved visitors. The facility's location in Milledgeville provides a stable environment where residents can focus on rehabilitation programs while serving their sentences in a secure setting.