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 Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility
   1150 E Ash Ave
   Shafter, CA 93263
   Phone: (661) 746-8900

5. What are the visiting hours at Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Shafter Modified Community 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 (661) 746-8900 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 Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community 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 Shafter Modified Community 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 visiting program at Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility operates through a structured system designed to maintain family connections while ensuring institutional security. The facility utilizes the Visitor Processing Appointment Scheduling System (VPASS), an online platform that allows approved visitors to schedule appointments up to one week in advance, with walk-in visits also accommodated on a established-come, established-served basis during weekend hours from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

Beyond visitation services, Shafter MCCF typically offers educational and vocational programming common to California correctional facilities. These may include adult basic education classes, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities that help individuals develop marketable skills for successful community reintegration. The facility often provides substance abuse counseling programs, mental health services, and cognitive behavioral interventions designed to address underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.

Support services at the facility may encompass pre-release planning assistance, job readiness training, and connections to community resources. Many California correctional facilities also offer religious services, recreational activities, and library access to support personal development and rehabilitation goals. The facility’s modified community correctional designation suggests it may provide transitional programming that bridges the gap between incarceration and community supervision, though specific program details would require direct contact with facility administration for confirmation.

Daily Life & Visitation

Weekend visitation at Shafter Modified Community Correctional Facility operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with the last visitor processed at 2:00 PM. The facility uses both a walk-in system and the VPASS online appointment scheduling system, which allows approved visitors to schedule appointments up to one week in advance. This dual approach helps accommodate families while managing facility security, though visitors should be prepared for potential modifications or suspensions based on institutional needs.

Residents at this Shafter facility typically follow structured daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities. The modified community correctional environment often emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration preparation, which may involve vocational training opportunities and life skills development. Meals are typically served at designated times throughout the day, and residents generally have access to common areas during specified hours for television, reading, or social interaction with fellow residents.

Communication with family and friends extends beyond weekend visits, as residents may have access to telephone privileges during designated hours and potentially email or video calling systems. The facility’s location on East Ash Avenue in Shafter provides a setting that balances security requirements with the community correctional model’s focus on preparing individuals for successful reentry. Personal property allowances, commissary access, and recreational opportunities help maintain connections to normal daily routines while residents work toward their release goals.