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 Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about South Central 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 South Central Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   South Central Correctional Facility
   555 Forrest Ave
   Clifton, TN 38425
   Phone: (931) 676-5372

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

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

   Visiting hours at South Central 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 (931) 676-5372 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 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 South Central Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Career Technical Education and vocational training form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at South Central Correctional Facility, where individuals can develop marketable skills through programs in carpentry, construction core, electrical work, masonry, and plumbing. The facility's comprehensive approach includes the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) alongside mental health services, recognizing that successful reintegration requires addressing both substance abuse issues and psychological well-being. Academic opportunities span from basic literacy tutoring through Adult Basic Education to GED completion, ensuring individuals can build foundational skills regardless of their starting educational level.

The facility's vocational offerings extend beyond traditional trades to include information technology training, grounds keeping, and Career Management for Success programming, which typically helps individuals develop workplace readiness and professional skills. Work programs throughout the facility may provide hands-on experience while contributing to daily operations. These structured activities often complement the self-improvement programs available in every housing unit, creating multiple pathways for personal development and skill acquisition.

Support services at the facility may include library access, recreational activities, and religious programming to address diverse needs during incarceration. Health care services are typically available to address both routine medical needs and specialized treatment requirements. The facility's medium-security designation often allows for expanded programming opportunities compared to higher-security institutions, while maintaining appropriate safety protocols. Family connection services, including visitation and correspondence programs, may help individuals maintain important relationships that support successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at South Central Correctional Facility in Clifton, Tennessee begin each day within a structured environment designed around rehabilitation and skill development. As a medium-security facility managed by CoreCivic, the daily schedule typically incorporates the facility's comprehensive self-improvement programs available in every housing unit. Mornings often start with count procedures and meal service, followed by work assignments or educational programming that may include GED classes, Adult Basic Education, or literacy tutoring sessions.

The facility's emphasis on Career Technical Education shapes much of the daily routine, with residents participating in vocational training programs such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, masonry, or information technology courses. Those enrolled in specialized programs like the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) may have additional group sessions and counseling appointments integrated into their schedules. Work program participants typically spend portions of their day in grounds keeping, construction projects, or other facility operations that provide practical experience while maintaining the institution.

Communication with family members occurs through the facility's correspondence system, with mail directed to P.O. Box 279 in Clifton. Mental health programming and various self-improvement initiatives are woven throughout the weekly schedule, providing residents with multiple opportunities for personal development. Evening hours may include additional educational activities, recreational time, or program participation, with lights-out and security counts marking the end of each structured day. The facility's location in Wayne County allows for family visitation, though specific visiting schedules and procedures typically follow Tennessee Department of Correction guidelines.