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 Sussex II State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Sussex II State Prison 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 Sussex II State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Sussex II State Prison

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 Sussex II State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Sussex II State Prison?

   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 Sussex II State Prison?

   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 Sussex II State Prison. 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 Sussex II State Prison. 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 Sussex II State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Sussex II State Prison
   24427 Mussellwhite Dr
   Waverly, VA 23891
   Phone: (804) 834-2678

   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 Sussex II State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Sussex II State Prison 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 (804) 834-2678 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 Sussex II State Prison?

   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 Sussex II State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Sussex II State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Sussex II State Prison 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 Sussex II State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Sussex II State Prison, 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 Sussex II State Prison?

   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 Sussex II State Prison 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 Sussex II State Prison, 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

Through carefully structured programs designed to address individual needs, Sussex Corrections Institution provides comprehensive support that helps the population develop essential life skills and prepare for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes personal growth and positive behavioral change through a combination of educational opportunities, vocational training, and therapeutic interventions. This multifaceted programming model recognizes that effective rehabilitation requires addressing both practical skills and underlying behavioral patterns that may have contributed to past difficulties.

Educational programs typically form the foundation of personal development, offering the population opportunities to complete their high school equivalency or pursue higher learning through correspondence courses. These academic initiatives often include basic literacy instruction, computer skills training, and specialized coursework that may help participants explore new career interests. Furthermore, vocational training programs provide hands-on experience in marketable trades, with carpentry being among the skills-based offerings that allow individuals to develop expertise in construction and woodworking techniques. These practical programs may supply certifications that enhance employment prospects upon release.

Cognitive behavioral programs represent a crucial component of the therapeutic services available to the population, focusing on helping individuals recognize and modify thought patterns that influence decision-making. These evidence-based interventions typically address issues such as anger management, substance abuse recovery, and criminal thinking patterns through structured group sessions and individual counseling. Mentoring programs often complement these therapeutic efforts by connecting participants with positive role models who can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical advice about navigating challenges both during incarceration and after release, fostering meaningful connections that support long-term success.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured protocols and established routines form the foundation of how the population experiences each day at Sussex Corrections Institution. The facility currently operates on a systematic schedule that continues to provide predictability and order throughout daily activities. Wake-up typically occurs in the early morning hours, followed by mandatory counts and meal service. The population generally moves through designated areas according to predetermined schedules that supply both security and routine. Housing assignments are organized by classification levels, and residents usually participate in various structured activities including work assignments, educational programming, or recreational periods throughout the day.

Furthermore, living accommodations at the facility are organized into housing units that typically house multiple residents per cell or dormitory-style arrangements. The population generally has access to basic amenities including bedding, personal hygiene items, and limited personal property storage. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas according to housing unit schedules, with the population receiving three meals daily that meet nutritional standards. Although movement between areas requires staff supervision, residents may often access common areas during designated recreation periods for activities such as television viewing, reading, or socializing within established guidelines.

The facility continues to offer various programs that supply structure to daily life, including work assignments in areas such as kitchen services, maintenance, or facility operations. Educational opportunities and vocational training programs are typically available to eligible members of the population. Recreation generally includes access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor recreational activities, and organized sports when weather and security conditions permit. Visitation policies usually allow approved family members and friends to visit during scheduled hours, while communication options may include monitored telephone calls and correspondence. The commissary system generally operates on a regular schedule, allowing the population to purchase approved personal items and food products to supplement their daily needs.