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 St. Clair Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at St. Clair 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 St. Clair Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about St. Clair 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 St. Clair Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   St. Clair Correctional Facility
   1000 St Clair Rd
   Springville, AL 35146
   Phone: (205) 467-6111

   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 St. Clair Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at St. Clair 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 (205) 467-6111 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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at St. Clair Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at St. Clair 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 St. Clair Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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 efforts at St. Clair County Jail. The facility typically emphasizes helping inmates build practical abilities and address underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration. Through various structured services, participants often have opportunities to develop both personal and professional competencies that support successful reintegration into their communities.

Educational services may provide inmates with chances to advance their academic credentials and learn new skills. The facility often includes basic education programs that help participants work toward completing their high school equivalency. These educational opportunities typically focus on building fundamental literacy and numeracy skills that serve as stepping stones for future employment and personal development.

Furthermore, support services address both practical and emotional needs of inmates during their incarceration. Work release programs may offer eligible participants the opportunity to maintain employment while serving their sentence, helping preserve family financial stability and work relationships. Faith-based programs typically provide spiritual guidance and community support for those seeking this type of assistance. The facility often includes domestic violence programs that help participants understand healthy relationship patterns and develop conflict resolution skills. Additionally, facility maintenance work may give inmates practical experience while contributing to the daily operations of the institution.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and metal fixtures define the stark living environment where inmates at St. Clair County Jail must navigate their daily existence. Today's routine typically begins with early morning headcounts, followed by structured meal times and consistently scheduled activities that provide order throughout each day. Inmates generally adapt by establishing personal routines within the facility's framework, finding ways to maintain dignity and purpose despite the institutional setting.

Housing units typically accommodate multiple inmates in shared cells or dormitory-style arrangements, with basic furnishings including beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. Furthermore, inmates usually receive three meals daily in designated dining areas, with menu options that meet basic nutritional requirements. Although the environment may feel restrictive, many inmates gradually adjust to the structured schedule and develop coping strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental health.

The facility generally provides recreational opportunities such as television viewing, reading materials, and limited exercise periods when space and staffing allow. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, or facility maintenance tasks that help inmates stay occupied and contribute to daily operations. Additionally, visitation policies typically allow family members to maintain contact through scheduled visits and phone calls, while commissary services usually enable inmates to purchase personal items and snacks. These connections with loved ones often provide crucial emotional support that helps inmates adapt to their temporary living situation.