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 Robinson Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Robinson 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 Robinson Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Robinson Correctional Center
   13423 E 1150th Ave
   Robinson, IL 62454
   Phone: (618) 546-5659

5. What are the visiting hours at Robinson Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Robinson 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 (618) 546-5659 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 Robinson 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 Robinson Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Robinson 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 Robinson Correctional Center?

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

Robinson Correctional Center's minimum security environment provides a foundation for comprehensive rehabilitation programming designed to prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. As a facility housing adult males in southeastern Illinois, the center typically emphasizes educational advancement and vocational skill development that align with the reduced-restriction setting appropriate for its population classification.

Educational services at the facility may include adult basic education programs, GED preparation courses, and literacy improvement initiatives to help individuals achieve fundamental academic credentials. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills that translate directly to employment prospects, potentially including maintenance trades, food service operations, and general labor certifications. The facility's multiple housing units and extensive building infrastructure likely support various workshop spaces and classroom environments where these programs can be effectively delivered.

Counseling and support services typically encompass substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and pre-release preparation services that address the specific needs of individuals approaching community reentry. Given the minimum security classification, programming may also include expanded work release opportunities, community service projects, and transitional support services that gradually increase individuals' community connections. Religious services, recreational activities, and family communication programs through the facility's video visitation system further support the rehabilitation process by maintaining important personal relationships and providing additional avenues for personal development and accountability.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Robinson Correctional Center, a minimum security facility housing over 1,100 adult males in southeastern Illinois, residents live in dormitory-style accommodations across six housing units. Each housing unit contains 10 dormitory rooms within the facility's 23 buildings that span more than 200,000 square feet. The minimum security classification typically allows for more freedom of movement and programming opportunities compared to higher security levels, with residents often participating in work assignments, educational programs, and vocational training throughout their day.

Family connections remain an important part of life at the facility through the structured visitation program. Video visitation operates seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., requiring advance scheduling and visitors to log on 15 minutes before their appointed time. The facility has transitioned to ICSolutions for technology services, providing electronic messaging through ICS CorrLinks to help residents maintain contact with loved ones. All correspondence follows standard mail procedures, with business mail and individual mail sent to the facility's address at 13423 East 1150th Avenue in Robinson.

The facility's location just one mile northeast of Robinson in Crawford County, approximately 6.5 miles from the Indiana border, may influence programming and work opportunities available to residents. Minimum security facilities typically offer various educational and vocational programs, recreational activities, and work assignments that help prepare individuals for successful reentry into the community. The structured environment balances security requirements with opportunities for personal growth and maintaining family relationships during incarceration.