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 Stateville Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Stateville Correctional 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 Stateville Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Stateville Correctional 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 Stateville Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Stateville Correctional 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 Stateville Correctional 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 Stateville Correctional 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 Stateville Correctional 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 Stateville Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Stateville Correctional Center
   16830 IL-53
   Crest Hill, IL 60403
   Phone: (815) 727-3607

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Friday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Saturday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
   • Sunday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Stateville Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Stateville Correctional 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 (815) 727-3607 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 Stateville Correctional 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 Stateville Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Stateville Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Stateville Correctional 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 Stateville Correctional Center?

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

Stateville Correctional Center operates with a mission focused on creating safe and secure conditions that foster positive attitudes and encourage work and program opportunities for individuals in custody and staff alike. As a maximum security facility that also oversees the Northern Reception and Classification Center and Stateville Minimum Security Unit, the institution typically provides a comprehensive range of services designed to support rehabilitation and successful reentry into the community.

Educational programs at the facility may include basic literacy courses, GED preparation, and adult basic education to help individuals develop essential academic skills. Vocational training opportunities often encompass various trades and job skills that can provide valuable employment prospects upon release. The facility likely offers substance abuse treatment programs, mental health counseling services, and anger management courses to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Religious services and chaplaincy programs typically provide spiritual guidance and support for individuals of various faith backgrounds.

Support services at Stateville may include library access, recreational activities, and healthcare services to maintain physical and mental well-being during incarceration. The facility utilizes modern communication technology through ICSolutions, offering video visitation services daily from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and electronic messaging through CorrLinks to help individuals maintain important family and community connections. Work assignments within the facility often provide opportunities for individuals to develop job skills and work habits while contributing to facility operations, supporting the institution's goal of promoting positive attitudes and preparing individuals for successful reintegration into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

For individuals housed at Stateville Correctional Center in Joliet, maintaining connections with family typically centers around the facility's video visitation system, which operates seven days a week from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visitors must sign up in advance and are encouraged to log on 15 minutes before their scheduled session begins. Beyond video calls, residents may stay in touch through ICS CorrLinks electronic messaging, which has become an important communication tool since IDOC transitioned to ICSolutions for technology services. Traditional mail continues to flow through the facility's P.O. Box 112 address, providing another vital link to the outside world.

The facility operates as a maximum security institution with an operational capacity of 3,020 beds, though current population levels are significantly lower. As the parent institution for both the Northern Reception and Classification Center and Stateville Minimum Security Unit, the complex houses individuals across different security classifications. Those in the minimum security unit may experience somewhat different daily routines and privileges compared to maximum security residents. The facility's mission emphasizes creating safe and secure conditions while promoting positive attitudes and encouraging participation in work and program opportunities.

Structured daily routines typically include designated times for meals, recreation, educational programming, and work assignments where available. The facility's substantial operational capacity suggests it may offer various vocational and educational programs, though specific offerings can vary based on security level and individual circumstances. With video visitation available every evening and multiple communication options, residents have regular opportunities to maintain family relationships, which often serves as an important component of institutional life and successful reintegration planning.