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 USP Terre Haute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at USP Terre Haute 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 USP Terre Haute.

Frequently asked questions about USP Terre Haute

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 USP Terre Haute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to USP Terre Haute?

   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 USP Terre Haute?

   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 USP Terre Haute. 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 USP Terre Haute. 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 USP Terre Haute?

   Mailing address:

   USP Terre Haute
   4700 S Bureau Rd
   Terre Haute, IN 47802
   Phone: (812) 244-4400

   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 USP Terre Haute?

   Visiting hours at USP Terre Haute 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 (812) 244-4400 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 USP Terre Haute?

   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 USP Terre Haute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at USP Terre Haute?

   You can send money to an inmate at USP Terre Haute 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 USP Terre Haute?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At USP Terre Haute, 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 USP Terre Haute?

   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 USP Terre Haute 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 USP Terre Haute, 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 growth and skill development form the foundation of rehabilitation services at USP Terre Haute. The facility typically emphasizes building practical abilities that inmates can use both during incarceration and after release. This approach recognizes that meaningful change often comes through structured learning opportunities and therapeutic support.

Educational services may provide basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and vocational training programs. These offerings often focus on developing marketable skills in areas such as construction trades, computer applications, or food service. Inmates typically have access to library resources and may participate in structured learning environments designed to build both academic knowledge and practical abilities.

Mental health services often include individual counseling and group therapy sessions to address various personal challenges. Community resource connections may help inmates prepare for reintegration by linking them with support networks and services. Also, decision-making skills training typically focuses on helping participants develop better judgment and problem-solving abilities. These therapeutic and support services work together to address both immediate needs and long-term rehabilitation goals.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel fixtures of the housing units define the physical boundaries where inmates now navigate their daily existence. Structured schedules regularly govern movement throughout the facility, with inmates adapting to the regimented environment through established routines. Count times, meal periods, and program activities provide the framework that inmates typically follow, creating predictability within the institutional setting.

Housing accommodations generally consist of cells shared between two inmates, with basic furnishings including beds, a desk, and storage space for approved personal property. The living quarters may offer limited privacy, requiring inmates to develop coping strategies for sharing confined spaces. Also, inmates can typically access commissary items to supplement their basic needs and purchase approved personal items that help make their living environment more comfortable. However, all possessions must comply with facility regulations and undergo regular inspections.

Structured programming schedules provide inmates with opportunities for education, vocational training, and recreational activities that help maintain physical and mental well-being. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or administrative support roles that offer inmates purpose and structure. Also, visitation policies typically allow for regular contact with family members, while telephone and correspondence privileges help inmates maintain important relationships with their support systems outside the facility walls.