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 Schoc Chocolates.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Schoc Chocolates 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 Schoc Chocolates.

Frequently asked questions about Schoc Chocolates

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 Schoc Chocolates.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Schoc Chocolates?

   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 Schoc Chocolates?

   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 Schoc Chocolates. 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 Schoc Chocolates. 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 Schoc Chocolates?

   Mailing address:

   Schoc Chocolates
   177 Main St
   Greytown, Wellington 5712
   Phone: 06 304 8960

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Schoc Chocolates?

   Visiting hours at Schoc Chocolates 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 06 304 8960 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 Schoc Chocolates?

   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 Schoc Chocolates for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Schoc Chocolates?

   You can send money to an inmate at Schoc Chocolates 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 Schoc Chocolates?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Schoc Chocolates, 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 Schoc Chocolates?

   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 Schoc Chocolates 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 Schoc Chocolates, 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 its comprehensive classification system and direct supervision approach, Suffolk House of Corrections provides sentenced inmates with extensive programming opportunities designed for successful community reintegration. The facility's core offerings include substance use programming, anger management courses, and vocational training alongside educational services ranging from basic literacy instruction to college preparation classes. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs serve the diverse inmate population, while specialized courses in job skills, parenting skills, and reintegration programming address crucial areas for post-release success.

The correctional center's educational framework typically extends beyond the basic curriculum to include GED preparation and may offer computer literacy training to enhance employment prospects upon release. Vocational programs often encompass various trades and certifications that align with local job market demands. Mental health and substance abuse counseling services complement these educational efforts, with group therapy sessions and individual counseling frequently available to address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior.

Comprehensive medical and mental health services ensure continuity of care throughout incarceration and into the community. The facility's healthcare providers typically coordinate discharge planning services to maintain treatment consistency after release. Additional support services may include library access, recreational activities, and religious programming, all working together within the facility's 27 separate housing units to create an environment focused on accountability, personal responsibility, and successful reentry preparation.

Daily Life & Visitation

The decentralized, direct supervision model at Suffolk House of Corrections creates a structured environment where inmates in the facility's 27 separate housing units begin each day with standardized wake-up procedures and cell inspections. With the facility housing both male and female inmates serving sentences of two-and-a-half years or less, daily routines typically revolve around the comprehensive programming schedule that includes substance use treatment, anger management sessions, and educational courses ranging from basic literacy to college preparation. The classification system determines which housing unit inmates are assigned to, influencing their daily movement patterns and program participation throughout the eight-building complex.

Program participation forms the cornerstone of daily life, with inmates often attending vocational training sessions, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, or job skills workshops during designated hours. The facility's emphasis on reintegration programming means that daily schedules frequently include parenting skills classes and community preparation sessions designed to support successful reentry. Medical appointments are a regular part of the routine, with the facility conducting more than 20,000 medical appointments annually, ensuring inmates receive necessary healthcare and mental health services as part of their daily care.

Visitation and communication with family members typically occur during scheduled periods, though specific visiting hours and policies may vary based on housing assignment and security classification. The facility's focus on accountability and responsibility extends to daily interactions, with inmates participating in structured activities designed to address their past actions while preparing for release. Evening hours generally include recreational time, additional programming, or educational study periods, maintaining the facility's commitment to providing comprehensive services that support both security and rehabilitation goals.