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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Taycheedah Correctional Institution 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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Taycheedah Correctional Institution

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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Taycheedah Correctional Institution?

   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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution?

   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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution. 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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution. 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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Taycheedah Correctional Institution
   751 Co Rd K
   Fond du Lac, WI 54937
   Phone: (920) 929-3800

   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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Taycheedah Correctional Institution 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 (920) 929-3800 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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution?

   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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Taycheedah Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Taycheedah Correctional Institution 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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution?

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

   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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution 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 Taycheedah Correctional Institution, 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

Taycheedah Correctional Institution implements gender-specific guiding principles designed to promote positive growth through treatment, education, and appropriate supervision for women in custody. As the intake, assessment, and evaluation facility for all female inmates sentenced to adult custody in Wisconsin, TCI provides comprehensive programming within a gender-responsive framework that recognizes the comprehensive needs and pathways of women in the correctional system.

The institution typically offers educational services that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs to help women develop foundational academic skills. Vocational training opportunities often focus on employment skills that can support successful reintegration, potentially including areas such as food service, custodial services, or office skills training. Mental health and substance abuse treatment programs are commonly available, as these services address critical factors that may have contributed to incarceration and are essential for successful community reentry.

As part of the Wisconsin Women’s Correctional System, TCI may provide specialized counseling services, life skills programming, and reentry preparation that addresses the specific challenges women face upon release. Support services often include family reunification programs, parenting classes, and trauma-informed care approaches. The facility’s focus on fostering successful transitions back to families and communities suggests programming that may encompass job readiness training, financial literacy, and community resource connections to support long-term stability and reduce recidivism.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Taycheedah Correctional Institution, women begin their incarceration journey through a comprehensive intake, assessment and evaluation process, as the facility serves as the entry point for all female inmates sentenced to adult custody in Wisconsin. This maximum- and medium-security institution operates under gender-responsive principles, implementing specialized guiding principles designed to promote positive growth through treatment, education, and appropriate supervision tailored specifically for women.

The institution maintains structured visiting procedures that include both video and in-person visitation options for families and friends. Visitors can access detailed information through official memos that outline current policies and scheduling procedures, with materials available in both English and Spanish to accommodate diverse family needs. The facility also provides vending machine services during visits, allowing families to share meals and snacks together during approved visiting times. Communication with loved ones typically extends beyond visits to include monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping women maintain important family connections throughout their incarceration.

Women housed at TCI may participate in various educational and treatment programs designed to support their successful reintegration into their families and communities upon release. The institution’s gender-specific approach recognizes the comprehensive needs of female offenders, often incorporating programs that address trauma, parenting skills, and vocational training. Living accommodations vary based on security classification, with both maximum- and medium-security housing units providing safe and secure environments. The facility grounds include the historic Governor James Doty home from the early 1800s, which remains standing as part of the institution’s comprehensive heritage dating back to its establishment in 1921 as Wisconsin’s dedicated women’s correctional facility.