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 Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at South Central Regional Jail 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 Regional Jail.

Frequently asked questions about South Central Regional Jail

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 Regional Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to South Central Regional Jail?

   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 Regional Jail?

   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 Regional Jail. 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 Regional Jail. 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 Regional Jail?

   Mailing address:

   South Central Regional Jail
   1001 Centre Way
   Charleston, WV 25309
   Phone: (304) 558-1336

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at South Central Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at South Central Regional Jail 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 (304) 558-1336 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 Regional Jail?

   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 Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at South Central Regional Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at South Central Regional Jail 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 Regional Jail?

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

   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 Regional Jail 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 Regional Jail, 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

I notice there’s a discrepancy in your request. You’ve asked me to write about “South Central Regional Jail, WV” but the website information provided is actually for the “Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility” in Flatwoods, WV. The website content also appears to be cut off and doesn’t include detailed program information - it mainly contains contact details, directions, and basic facility information.

Based on the limited website content provided, I can see that the Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility offers non-contact visitation services that must be scheduled in advance, and the content mentions a “Resource Guide,” though the specific resources aren’t detailed in the excerpt.

Since the website content is incomplete and doesn’t contain comprehensive program information, I cannot write a detailed article about specific services and programs while adhering to the critical rules about not inventing information.

Could you please: 1. Clarify which facility you’d like me to write about (South Central Regional Jail or Central Regional Jail) 2. Provide the complete website content that includes actual program and service details

This will ensure I can create accurate, helpful content that meets your requirements without violating the guidelines about not inventing specific details.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at the Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility in Flatwoods must plan ahead for family connections, as non-contact visitation requires scheduling one day in advance by phone for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday visits. This advance scheduling system reflects the facility’s structured approach to maintaining security while preserving important family relationships for those housed within its podular design architecture that has served as a prototype for West Virginia’s regional jail system since opening in 1993.

The facility’s podular design typically creates a more controlled environment where inmates may be housed in units that allow for better supervision and programming opportunities. Residents often follow structured daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational programs, and recreational activities, though specific programming can vary based on classification levels and individual circumstances. The jail serves eight counties across central West Virginia - Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Gilmer, Lewis, Nicholas, Roane, and Webster - meaning the population often includes individuals from diverse rural communities with varying backgrounds and needs.

Located just off Interstate 79 in Braxton County, the facility’s position allows for relatively accessible family visits despite serving such a wide geographic area. Inmates typically have access to basic amenities and services common to regional facilities, which may include medical care, library services, and commissary privileges. The structured visitation system, while requiring advance planning, helps maintain crucial family bonds during incarceration, and the facility likely offers additional communication options such as phone calls and correspondence to help residents stay connected with their support networks throughout their stay.