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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at State Correctional Institution - Dallas 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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas.

Frequently asked questions about State Correctional Institution - Dallas

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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to State Correctional Institution - Dallas?

   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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas?

   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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas. 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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas. 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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas?

   Mailing address:

   State Correctional Institution - Dallas
   1000 Follies Rd
   Dallas, PA 18612
   Phone: (570) 675-1101

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at State Correctional Institution - Dallas?

   Visiting hours at State Correctional Institution - Dallas 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 (570) 675-1101 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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas?

   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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at State Correctional Institution - Dallas?

   You can send money to an inmate at State Correctional Institution - Dallas 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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At State Correctional Institution - Dallas, 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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas?

   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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas 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 State Correctional Institution - Dallas, 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

The State Correctional Institution at Dallas operates with a distinctive educational model that emphasizes rehabilitation through proven penological, psychological, and educational methodologies. This approach reflects the facility’s original 1960s design concept, which prioritized educational aspects to encourage positive change among residents. The institution houses specialized units including a Special Needs Unit (SNU), Therapeutic Communities (MTC and LTC), a Veterans Services Unit (VSU), and Senior Life Enhancement Programs, demonstrating a commitment to addressing diverse rehabilitation needs within the population.

SCI Dallas’s therapeutic programming centers around its established Therapeutic Communities, which typically provide structured environments for residents working on behavioral change and substance abuse recovery. The Veterans Services Unit offers specialized support for formerly incarcerated veterans, while the Senior Life Enhancement Programs address the comprehensive needs of older residents. The facility’s Special Needs Unit may provide mental health services and specialized care for residents requiring additional support. These programs often work in conjunction with educational opportunities that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training to prepare residents for successful reintegration.

The institution’s comprehensive approach extends beyond specialized housing units to include various support services that typically encompass counseling programs, life skills training, and pre-release preparation. Pennsylvania Correctional Industries operations at the facility may provide work opportunities that help residents develop job skills while contributing to facility operations. The facility’s mission emphasizes employing proven methodologies to achieve positive improvements, suggesting that programming likely includes cognitive-behavioral interventions, substance abuse treatment, and educational advancement opportunities designed to support successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The State Correctional Institution at Dallas operates on the educational/school model established when it opened in 1960, with this rehabilitation-focused approach shaping the daily experiences of the facility’s incarcerated population. With 17 housing units spread across 26 acres inside the perimeter, residents typically live in either traditional cell-based accommodations or the facility’s single dormitory-style housing unit known as O-Block. The institution’s commitment to “safe, secure and humane incarceration” influences the structured daily routines that may include educational programming, work assignments, and therapeutic activities designed to support successful reintegration into society.

The facility’s specialized units significantly impact daily life for many residents. Those in the Special Needs Unit (SNU) often follow modified schedules tailored to their requirements, while participants in the Therapeutic Communities (MTC, LTC) engage in intensive programming throughout their days. The Veterans Services Unit (VSU) typically provides targeted support and activities for military veterans, and the Senior Life Enhancement Programs offer age-appropriate activities and services. Residents in the Restricted Housing Units (RHU) experience more limited movement and programming, while those in general population units participate in the facility’s educational and vocational opportunities.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life, with SCI Dallas committed to providing positive visitation experiences for families following the Department of Corrections’ rules and regulations. The institution encourages feedback about visitation experiences through their dedicated email system, reflecting their focus on maintaining strong community ties. Daily communication with loved ones may include phone calls, correspondence, and the ability for families to send money to support residents’ commissary needs, helping maintain crucial family bonds during incarceration.