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 Union Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Union 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 Union Correctional Institution.

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

   Mailing address:

   Union Correctional Institution
   25636 FL-16
   Raiford, FL 32083
   Phone: (386) 431-2000

   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 Union Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Union 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 (386) 431-2000 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 Union 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 Union Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

Within the structured environment of Union Corrections Inst., Fl, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive array of opportunities designed to foster personal transformation and prepare them for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach to rehabilitation emphasizes skill development, personal accountability, and behavioral modification through carefully structured offerings that address multiple dimensions of an individual's growth. This multifaceted framework typically recognizes that meaningful change occurs when participants engage with diverse programming that challenges them intellectually, professionally, and personally.

Educational offerings serve as a cornerstone of personal development, providing those incarcerated with pathways to academic advancement and intellectual growth. The facility may furnish basic literacy programs alongside more advanced educational opportunities that allow participants to work toward their high school equivalency credentials. Also, vocational training in welding offers hands-on skill development that translates directly into marketable employment opportunities upon release, combining technical instruction with practical application in a controlled learning environment.

Support services and therapeutic interventions complement the academic and vocational components through targeted programming that addresses specific challenges. Substance abuse treatment typically provides those incarcerated with evidence-based therapeutic approaches to addiction recovery, while parenting classes offer guidance in developing healthy family relationships and responsible child-rearing practices. Also, work release programs may furnish supervised opportunities for community employment, and time management instruction helps participants develop essential life skills. The facility often includes intramural sports programming, which promotes physical wellness while fostering teamwork and healthy competition within the secure environment.

Daily Life & Visitation

Maintaining connections with family members and building relationships within the correctional community form the foundation of daily existence for those incarcerated at Union Correctional Institution. The facility's structured environment now provides multiple opportunities for social interaction through shared living spaces, communal dining areas, and organized recreational activities that help residents develop supportive networks during their time of incarceration. Those incarcerated regularly participate in group activities and programs that encourage positive social engagement while working to maintain meaningful connections with their loved ones on the outside.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared housing units where those incarcerated develop daily routines alongside their assigned roommates or dormitory neighbors. The communal dining areas serve as important social gathering spaces where residents share meals at designated times throughout the day, often providing opportunities for conversation and relationship building. Also, the facility generally furnishes structured recreation periods that may include outdoor exercise, sports activities, and indoor games, allowing those incarcerated to engage in physical fitness while developing camaraderie with fellow residents.

However, maintaining family connections remains a priority through the facility's visitation programs and communication systems. Those incarcerated typically have access to scheduled visiting hours where they can meet with approved family members and friends in designated areas. The facility usually provides telephone access and may offer video calling services to help residents stay connected with their support networks. Also, work assignments within the facility often create additional opportunities for social interaction and skill development, as those incarcerated collaborate on various institutional operations including food service, maintenance, and administrative support roles that contribute to the daily functioning of the correctional community.