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 Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Southern Ohio 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 Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Southern Ohio 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 Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Southern Ohio 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 Southern Ohio 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 Southern Ohio 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 Southern Ohio 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 Southern Ohio Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Southern Ohio Correctional Facility
   1724 OH-728
   Lucasville, OH 45699
   Phone: (740) 259-5544

   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 Southern Ohio Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Southern Ohio 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 (740) 259-5544 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 Southern Ohio 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 Southern Ohio Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Southern Ohio Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Southern Ohio 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 Southern Ohio Correctional Facility?

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

Personal growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Southern Ohio Correctional Facility. The facility typically emphasizes preparing inmates for successful community reintegration through comprehensive programming that addresses both practical needs and personal challenges. This approach recognizes that meaningful change often requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's circumstances and background.

Educational services may provide opportunities for inmates to advance their academic credentials and develop essential workplace skills. The facility often includes basic literacy programs, GED preparation, and adult education courses designed to help participants build foundational knowledge. Additionally, vocational training services typically focus on practical job skills in areas such as construction trades, food service, and maintenance work. These programs generally emphasize hands-on learning and may include certifications that inmates can use when seeking employment after release.

Support services address the personal challenges that often contribute to criminal behavior and incarceration. Recovery services typically provide substance abuse treatment and counseling for inmates struggling with addiction issues. Additionally, trauma-informed care services may help participants process difficult experiences and develop healthier coping strategies. Library services often support both educational goals and personal enrichment, providing access to books, legal resources, and educational materials that inmates can use during their incarceration and preparation for release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of housing units define the physical boundaries where inmates navigate their daily existence. At present, the facility actively maintains structured schedules that begin with early morning counts and continue through evening lockdown procedures. Inmates typically wake to loudspeaker announcements and follow established routines for meals, work assignments, and programming activities.

Cell blocks generally house inmates in single or double occupancy rooms, with common areas that provide space for television viewing and limited social interaction. Living accommodations usually include basic furnishings such as bunks, storage lockers, and writing surfaces. Additionally, inmates may purchase approved personal items through the commissary system, which helps them maintain some degree of personal comfort within the institutional environment. Meals are typically served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, with inmates moving in supervised groups between housing units and the cafeteria.

Work assignments often provide structure and purpose, with inmates participating in facility maintenance, kitchen duties, or other institutional operations. While recreational opportunities may include access to exercise yards, library services, and educational programming, these activities generally operate within specific time frames and security protocols. Family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, though communication typically follows established guidelines and monitoring procedures that help inmates maintain relationships with their support systems outside the facility.