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 Woods State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at South Woods State Prison 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 Woods State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about South Woods State Prison

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 Woods State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to South Woods State Prison?

   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 Woods State Prison?

   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 Woods State Prison. 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 Woods State Prison. 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 Woods State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   South Woods State Prison
   215 S Burlington Rd
   Bridgeton, NJ 08302
   Phone: (856) 459-7000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at South Woods State Prison?

   Visiting hours at South Woods State Prison 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 (856) 459-7000 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 Woods State Prison?

   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 Woods State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at South Woods State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at South Woods State Prison 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 Woods State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At South Woods State Prison, 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 Woods State Prison?

   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 Woods State Prison 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 Woods State Prison, 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 transformation through structured intervention forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at South Woods State Prison, where inmates encounter comprehensive opportunities designed to address the multifaceted challenges that often contribute to criminal behavior. The facility's approach emphasizes skill-building and cognitive development, recognizing that meaningful change requires both practical competencies and psychological growth. Through carefully coordinated service delivery, the institution typically provides pathways for inmates to develop professional qualifications while simultaneously addressing underlying issues that may have influenced their incarceration.

Educational services encompass both traditional academic instruction and specialized support for inmates with learning differences, ensuring that individuals at varying skill levels can progress toward their goals. Special education services may provide tailored assistance for those requiring additional academic support, while general education offerings often include opportunities to complete high school equivalency requirements. Also available through vocational programming, HVAC certification training equips inmates with marketable technical skills that align with industry demands, potentially facilitating successful reintegration into the workforce upon release.

Support services extend beyond academic and technical training to address personal wellness and practical life skills. Landscaping programs typically offer hands-on experience in grounds maintenance and horticultural practices, providing both therapeutic benefits and transferable employment skills. Also integral to the facility's rehabilitative mission, substance abuse treatment services may address addiction issues through evidence-based interventions, while mental health counseling often provides individual and group therapeutic support to help inmates develop healthier coping strategies and interpersonal skills essential for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of the housing units create a structured environment where inmates at South Woods State Prison now navigate their daily routines within clearly defined boundaries. Inmates regularly move through scheduled activities that begin with early morning counts and continue through work assignments, meals, and evening lockdown procedures. The facility typically maintains a regimented schedule that provides structure while allowing inmates to adapt to institutional life through consistent routines and expectations.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates organize their limited personal belongings and create small spaces of familiarity within the institutional setting. The dining halls serve meals at designated times, bringing inmates together in supervised communal areas where they often form social connections and support networks. Also, recreational opportunities may include access to outdoor yards, gymnasium facilities, and television rooms that provide outlets for physical activity and social interaction during approved hours.

Programming schedules typically offer educational classes, vocational training, and work assignments that help inmates develop skills while contributing to facility operations. However, maintaining connections with family members remains crucial for adaptation, as visitation policies generally allow scheduled visits and phone calls that provide emotional support and continuity with the outside world. The commissary system also enables inmates to purchase approved personal items and food products, creating small comforts that help them personalize their living environment and maintain dignity within the institutional framework.