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 STAR Community Justice Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at STAR Community Justice Center 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 STAR Community Justice Center.

Frequently asked questions about STAR Community Justice Center

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 STAR Community Justice Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to STAR Community Justice Center?

   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 STAR Community Justice Center?

   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 STAR Community Justice Center. 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 STAR Community Justice Center. 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 STAR Community Justice Center?

   Mailing address:

   STAR Community Justice Center
   4696 Gallia Pike
   Franklin Furnace, OH 45629
   Phone: (740) 354-9026

5. What are the visiting hours at STAR Community Justice Center?

   Visiting hours at STAR Community Justice Center 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) 354-9026 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 STAR Community Justice Center?

   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 STAR Community Justice Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at STAR Community Justice Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at STAR Community Justice Center 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 STAR Community Justice Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At STAR Community Justice Center, 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 STAR Community Justice Center?

   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 STAR Community Justice Center 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 STAR Community Justice Center, 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

As a Community-Based Correctional Facility serving nineteen counties across Ohio, STAR Community Justice Center operates with a clear rehabilitation focus for non-violent felony offenders. The facility's mission to "enhance public safety" through "empowering individuals and strengthening communities" reflects its commitment to providing comprehensive programming that addresses the root causes of criminal behavior. This 360-bed ACA-accredited facility typically emphasizes evidence-based treatment approaches and community reintegration services designed to reduce recidivism and support successful transitions back into society.

Educational and vocational programming at STAR Community Justice Center may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and career readiness training aligned with local workforce needs across the nineteen counties served. The facility often provides substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling, and cognitive-behavioral interventions that address thinking patterns contributing to criminal behavior. Life skills workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, job search techniques, and conflict resolution are commonly integrated into the programming structure to prepare participants for community reentry.

Support services at the facility typically encompass case management, family reunification programs, and community service opportunities that allow participants to give back while developing work skills. The center may also offer religious services, recreational activities, and peer support groups that foster personal growth and accountability. Given its community-based model, STAR Community Justice Center likely maintains partnerships with local employers, educational institutions, and social service agencies to create pathways for successful reintegration, ensuring participants have access to housing assistance, employment opportunities, and ongoing support services upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

At STAR Community Justice Center in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, residents participate in a structured rehabilitation-focused environment designed to serve non-violent felony offenders from 19 counties across southern and southeastern Ohio. As an American Correctional Association (ACA) accredited facility with 360 beds for both male and female residents, the center operates under the principle that community-based corrections can provide effective alternatives to traditional prison settings. The facility's organizational framework emphasizes achievement, commitment, ethical behavior, responsibility, and servanthood, which typically influences how daily programming and interactions are structured throughout the residential experience.

Residents at this minimum security facility generally follow structured daily schedules that may include educational programming, vocational training, counseling sessions, and community service opportunities. The center's mission to enhance public safety through rehabilitation often translates into daily activities focused on developing life skills, addressing underlying issues that contributed to criminal behavior, and preparing individuals for successful reintegration into their home communities. Programming typically emphasizes personal accountability and community engagement, reflecting the facility's vision of empowering individuals and strengthening communities through service and care.

Family connections and community ties are often maintained through established visitation policies and communication procedures, though specific visiting hours and contact guidelines would need to be confirmed directly with the facility administration. As a community-based correctional facility, STAR may offer more flexible programming and community interaction opportunities compared to traditional prison settings, potentially including work release programs, educational partnerships, and supervised community service projects that allow residents to maintain connections with the 19-county service area while completing their sentences in a rehabilitative environment.