How to Send Money to Someone in a CoreCivic Facility: Lockbox, ConnectNetwork, and Western Union

CoreCivic facilities typically accept money through three channels: a lockbox for mailed payments, ConnectNetwork/ViaPath for electronic deposits (online, phone, or app), and Western Union's corrections transfer service. Each works well, but they come with different formatting rules and required identifiers. When deposits get delayed or rejected, it's usually because something was missing - like the inmate ID - or the wrong payment type was used.

Lockbox Steps

• ✓ Money order or cashier’s check (made payable to the incarcerated person, per the lockbox instructions)
• ✓ Incarcerated person’s full name
• ✓ Incarcerated person’s ID number
• ✓ The facility/site information required by the lockbox instructions
• ✓ An envelope addressed exactly the way the lockbox directions require

Lockbox deposits don't go directly to the facility. Instead, you mail them to a processing address listed in the lockbox instructions. The way you format the address matters - the site/facility identifier is how your deposit gets routed and credited. Before sealing the envelope, double-check that you're using the correct lockbox address for the specific CoreCivic facility. Make sure the inmate's name, ID, and any required site information are written clearly.

1. Buy a money order or cashier’s check - Use one of the accepted payment types listed in the lockbox instructions.
2. Fill it out to the incarcerated person - Write the payee and any required reference details (like the inmate’s name/ID) the way the lockbox directions require.
3. Prepare the envelope - Include only what the lockbox deposit instructions call for.
4. Address it to the lockbox - Use the exact lockbox address format and facility/site information for that CoreCivic location.
5. Mail it and keep your receipt - Hold onto the money order/cashier’s check receipt in case you need to track or confirm the payment later.

ConnectNetwork/ViaPath is the go-to electronic option for families who want to pay by card without mailing anything. Depending on what the facility has enabled, you can send funds through the provider's website, their toll-free phone line, or their mobile app. The key: select the correct facility from the provider's list and enter the incarcerated person's information exactly as it appears in the system. That's how the money posts to the right account.

Western Union offers a corrections-focused transfer option - often called Quick Collect or Send2Corrections - for sending money to someone in custody. You'll enter the incarcerated person's identifying details and select the correct correctional organization/facility in Western Union's system. If you go this route, follow the facility's materials closely so you use the right receiving information for the CoreCivic location.

Common Mistakes

• ✓ Don’t send cash through the mail
• ✓ Don’t send personal checks if they aren’t accepted for that method
• ✓ Don’t include letters, photos, or any personal correspondence in a lockbox deposit envelope
• ✓ Don’t assume all payment types are accepted everywhere; confirm the allowed payment type for the method you’re using

These rules exist for a reason - they keep deposits trackable and secure. Cash and unapproved payment types can't be processed like a properly completed money order, cashier's check, or electronic transaction. They're more likely to be rejected or returned. And if you mix a lockbox payment with personal mail? The processing center may treat the whole envelope as invalid, slowing everything down for you and the person you're trying to help.

Before sending money, confirm the facility-specific details for the exact CoreCivic location where your person is housed. Pay special attention to the lockbox mailing address and any site/facility identifier the vendor requires. These details vary from one facility to another, even within the same company. If you're sending funds to Trousdale Corrections Facility, use the facility's current instructions (or the vendor's facility picker) so you don't waste time and postage on a deposit that can't be credited.