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 Taylorville Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Taylorville 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 Taylorville Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Taylorville Correctional Center
   1144 IL-29
   Taylorville, IL 62568
   Phone: (217) 824-4004

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

   Visiting hours at Taylorville 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 (217) 824-4004 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 Taylorville 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 Taylorville Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Illinois Department of Corrections emphasizes effective reentry programs at Taylorville Correctional Center, with a mission focused on reducing recidivism and supporting successful community reintegration for the facility's minimum security adult male population. As a minimum security facility, Taylorville typically provides residents with expanded programming opportunities designed to prepare them for their eventual return to the community.

Educational services at the facility may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs to help residents develop fundamental academic skills. Vocational training programs often focus on marketable job skills such as maintenance, food service, landscaping, or other trades that align with employment opportunities in the Taylorville area and surrounding communities. The facility may also offer computer literacy courses and job readiness training to enhance residents' prospects for successful employment upon release.

Counseling and support services typically include substance abuse treatment programs, anger management classes, and cognitive behavioral interventions designed to address the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Mental health services may be available through individual and group counseling sessions. Religious services and recreational activities often provide additional support for personal development and positive social interaction. The facility's focus on reentry preparation may also include programs that help residents develop life skills, financial literacy, and community connections essential for successful reintegration. These comprehensive programming efforts support the facility's mission to increase public safety while promoting positive outcomes for individuals in custody.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Taylorville Correctional Center, individuals in custody begin each day within a structured environment designed around the facility's mission to promote successful reentry programs. The minimum security setting allows for more movement and programming opportunities compared to higher security facilities. With an operational capacity of 1,201 and currently housing 1,140 adult males, the facility maintains a structured daily routine that typically includes work assignments, educational programs, and recreational activities. Residents may participate in vocational training, substance abuse counseling, and other rehabilitative programs aimed at reducing recidivism and preparing them for successful community reintegration.

Family connections remain an important part of daily life through the facility's comprehensive visitation program. Video visitation is available seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, though visitors must sign up in advance and log on 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time. The facility has transitioned to ICSolutions for technology services, providing electronic messaging through ICS CorrLinks to help maintain communication with loved ones. Mail correspondence continues through the traditional postal system, with all correspondence addressed to the individual's name and IDOC number at the facility's Route 29 location.

The minimum security classification typically allows for more flexible movement within the facility grounds and may include opportunities for outdoor recreation, library access, and participation in various educational and vocational programs. Meals are served at scheduled times in common dining areas, and individuals often have assigned work details that contribute to facility operations while providing valuable job skills. The structured environment balances security requirements with programming designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior and prepare residents for successful reentry into the Taylorville community and beyond.