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 Three Forks Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Three Forks Regional 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 Three Forks Regional Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Three Forks Regional 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 Three Forks Regional Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Three Forks Regional 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 Three Forks Regional 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 Three Forks Regional 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 Three Forks Regional 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 Three Forks Regional Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Three Forks Regional Jail
   2221 Fairgrounds Ridge Rd
   Beattyville, KY 41311
   Phone: (606) 464-2598

   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 Three Forks Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at Three Forks Regional 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 (606) 464-2598 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 Three Forks Regional 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 Three Forks Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Three Forks Regional Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Three Forks Regional 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 Three Forks Regional Jail?

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

Personal transformation through structured intervention forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Three Forks Regional Jail in Kentucky. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that meaningful change requires addressing multiple dimensions of an inmate's life, from foundational education to practical skill development. Through carefully designed service delivery systems, inmates may access resources that foster both immediate growth and long-term stability, creating pathways toward successful community reintegration.

Educational services typically serve as the foundation for personal development, with high school diploma programs offering inmates the opportunity to complete their secondary education in a supportive environment. These academic initiatives often provide individualized instruction that accommodates varying learning styles and educational backgrounds. Furthermore, vocational training in welding may be available, equipping inmates with marketable skills that translate directly into employment opportunities upon release. Such hands-on training programs typically combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing participants to develop both technical competency and workplace confidence.

Support services encompass a broader range of interventions designed to address the complex factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Vocational programs may extend beyond specific trades to include employment readiness training, helping inmates develop essential workplace skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, and professional communication. Decision-making skills workshops often complement these practical services, providing inmates with cognitive tools to navigate challenging situations more effectively. Additionally, substance abuse treatment services typically address underlying addiction issues through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, recognizing that recovery often serves as a critical component of successful rehabilitation and reduced recidivism.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel doors of housing units at Three Forks Regional define the structured environment where inmates navigate their daily existence, with dormitory-style accommodations and individual cells creating distinct living spaces throughout the facility. The institutional setting, marked by controlled lighting schedules and regulated movement between areas, requires significant adjustment as residents adapt to the regimented atmosphere that governs nearly every aspect of their routine.

Daily life currently revolves around a predictable schedule that typically begins with early morning counts and continues through structured meal times, work assignments, and evening lockdown procedures. Inmates generally wake to announcements over the facility's intercom system, followed by hygiene routines and preparation for breakfast service in the main dining hall. The day usually progresses through various mandatory activities, including work details in areas such as kitchen services, laundry operations, or facility maintenance, with inmates often assigned roles based on their skills and the institution's operational needs. Furthermore, recreational periods may provide opportunities for physical exercise in designated areas, television viewing in common spaces, or participation in organized activities when available.

Although the controlled environment presents ongoing challenges, inmates typically find ways to maintain connections with family members through scheduled visitation sessions and regulated telephone access. The facility generally provides commissary services where residents can purchase approved personal items and snacks using funds from their institutional accounts. Programming schedules often include educational opportunities, religious services, and group meetings that help structure the week beyond basic operational routines. Communication with loved ones continues to serve as a vital lifeline, with written correspondence and periodic visits offering inmates essential emotional support as they adapt to the institutional environment and work toward their eventual reintegration into the community.