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 Taney County Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Taney County Jail 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 Taney County Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Taney County Jail

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 Taney County Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Taney County Jail?

   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 Taney County Jail?

   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 Taney County Jail. 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 Taney County Jail. 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 Taney County Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Taney County Jail
   266 Main St
   Forsyth, MO 65653
   Phone: (417) 546-7251

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Taney County Jail?

   Visiting hours at Taney County Jail 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 (417) 546-7251 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 Taney County Jail?

   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 Taney County Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Taney County Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Taney County Jail 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 Taney County Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Taney County Jail, 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 Taney County Jail?

   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 Taney County Jail 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 Taney County Jail, 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

Educational advancement and personal development form the cornerstone of rehabilitative initiatives at Taney County Jail, where a comprehensive approach to resident transformation emphasizes skill-building and therapeutic intervention. The facility's philosophy centers on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior while simultaneously equipping residents with practical tools for successful community reintegration. This multifaceted strategy typically encompasses academic enrichment, vocational preparation, and specialized treatment modalities designed to foster lasting behavioral change.

Academic initiatives may deliver fundamental literacy and numeracy instruction through adult basic education curricula, enabling residents to strengthen foundational learning skills essential for future employment and personal growth. These educational opportunities often include structured classroom environments where participants can work toward completing their high school equivalency credentials. Additionally, vocational training initiatives typically provide hands-on instruction in marketable trades and technical skills, allowing residents to develop competencies that enhance their employment prospects upon release. Such programs may encompass various industrial and service-sector specializations that align with regional labor market demands.

Support services extend beyond traditional classroom instruction to encompass therapeutic interventions addressing substance abuse and addiction recovery. These treatment initiatives often include group counseling sessions, educational workshops about addiction science, and relapse prevention strategies that help residents develop coping mechanisms for maintaining sobriety. Additionally, volunteer programs may connect residents with community mentors and faith-based organizations, creating supportive networks that continue beyond incarceration. This collaborative approach between professional staff and community volunteers typically reinforces the therapeutic process while building bridges between residents and the broader community they will eventually rejoin.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythmic structure of morning wake-up calls, scheduled meal times, and designated activity periods creates a predictable framework that many residents find helps them navigate their time more effectively. At present, the facility actively maintains consistent daily schedules that typically begin with early morning routines and progress through organized segments for meals, programming, and personal time. This structured approach generally provides residents with clear expectations and helps establish productive daily habits during their stay.

Housing arrangements at the Taney County Jail typically consist of dormitory-style units or individual cells, depending on classification levels and facility capacity. Residents generally share common areas within their housing units and have access to basic amenities including bedding, personal hygiene items, and limited personal property storage. Additionally, the facility usually provides three meals daily served in designated dining areas or housing units, with menus that aim to meet basic nutritional requirements. While living spaces may be compact, residents typically have opportunities to maintain personal cleanliness and organize their limited belongings within established guidelines.

Programming schedules often deliver various activities that may include educational opportunities, recreational periods, and structured group sessions designed to support personal development. Recreation time usually includes access to indoor common areas and may offer television viewing, reading materials, and physical exercise opportunities when available. Additionally, the facility generally maintains visitation policies that allow residents to connect with family members and friends through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence. Work assignments within the facility may be available to eligible residents, typically involving maintenance tasks, food service assistance, or cleaning duties that help residents stay active while contributing to facility operations. While these programs aim to provide structure and purpose, availability often depends on individual classification status and facility resources.