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 South Central Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about South Central 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 South Central Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   South Central Correctional Center
   255 MO-32
   Licking, MO 65542
   Phone: (573) 674-4470

5. What are the visiting hours at South Central Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at South Central 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 (573) 674-4470 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 South Central 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 South Central Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at South Central 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 South Central Correctional Center?

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

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation efforts at South Central Corrections Center. The facility typically emphasizes building practical abilities that inmates can use both during incarceration and after release. This approach often focuses on addressing individual needs while preparing participants for successful community reintegration.

Educational services may provide inmates with opportunities to advance their academic knowledge and financial understanding. The facility often includes basic education programs that help participants work toward completing their high school equivalency. Financial literacy courses typically teach budgeting, banking basics, and money management skills that support long-term stability. In addition to this, vocational training services may offer hands-on instruction in various trade skills. Job readiness training often includes resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace communication skills that help inmates prepare for employment opportunities.

Therapeutic services typically address the underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. These support services often include individual and group counseling sessions that focus on personal development and behavioral change. Mental health resources may provide inmates with coping strategies and emotional support throughout their incarceration. The facility often emphasizes creating a supportive environment where participants can work on personal challenges while developing healthier decision-making skills.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at South Central Corrections Center feature dormitory-style and cell accommodations that shape the rhythm of daily life. Inmates at present follow structured schedules that actively begin before dawn with count procedures and meal preparation. The facility operates on a regimented timeline that typically includes designated periods for meals, work assignments, recreational activities, and programming sessions.

Living arrangements generally consist of shared sleeping quarters with basic furnishings including beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. Inmates usually adapt to limited personal space by organizing their belongings within designated storage areas and following established protocols for maintaining their living areas. The dining hall serves meals at scheduled times, with inmates typically rotating through in organized groups to accommodate the facility’s population.

In addition to this structured environment, inmates may participate in various work assignments that often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and facility operations support. Recreation opportunities typically provide physical exercise through outdoor yards and indoor spaces, while educational and vocational programs offer structured learning environments. Despite this controlled setting, the facility generally maintains visitation schedules and communication systems that allow inmates to connect with family members through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, helping them maintain important relationships during their incarceration.