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 Val Verde Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Val Verde Correctional Facility 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 Val Verde Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Val Verde Correctional Facility

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 Val Verde Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Val Verde Correctional Facility?

   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 Val Verde Correctional Facility?

   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 Val Verde Correctional Facility. 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 Val Verde Correctional Facility. 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 Val Verde Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Val Verde Correctional Facility
   253 FM 2523
   Del Rio, TX 78840
   Phone: (830) 778-0096

   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 Val Verde Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Val Verde Correctional Facility 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 (830) 778-0096 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 Val Verde Correctional Facility?

   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 Val Verde Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Val Verde Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Val Verde Correctional Facility 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 Val Verde Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Val Verde Correctional Facility, 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 Val Verde Correctional Facility?

   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 Val Verde Correctional Facility 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 Val Verde Correctional Facility, 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 Val Verde Correctional Facility maintains comprehensive medical care services alongside food service and laundry operations that meet both Texas state standards and federal guidelines. As a facility serving the U.S. Marshals Service, the institution typically provides essential support services designed to address the immediate needs of those in federal custody while awaiting legal proceedings.

Educational opportunities may include basic literacy programs and GED preparation courses, which are common components of federal detention facilities in Texas. The facility's expanded kitchen areas suggest potential for culinary training programs, though specific vocational offerings would depend on current operational needs. Counseling services often encompass substance abuse programs, mental health support, and pre-release planning to help individuals prepare for their eventual return to the community.

Given the facility's accreditation by the American Correctional Association and compliance with Texas Commission on Jail Standards, programming typically emphasizes maintaining safety and security while providing appropriate rehabilitative services. Support services may include religious programs, recreational activities, and family visitation opportunities that help maintain important community connections during incarceration. The facility's design with expanded support services space suggests accommodation for various programming needs, though specific offerings may vary based on population requirements and available resources.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured environment at Val Verde Correctional Facility in Del Rio, Texas, operates under federal guidelines and Texas Commission on Jail Standards, ensuring residents follow established routines that typically begin with early morning counts and meal service from the facility's expanded kitchen areas. The 1,407-capacity facility, which serves the U.S. Marshals Service, maintains living conditions that comply with both state and federal requirements, with residents housed in units that provide basic accommodations including bedding, personal storage space, and access to common areas for recreation and programming.

Medical care is provided on-site in accordance with federal standards, ensuring residents receive necessary healthcare services during their stay. The facility's comprehensive support services include laundry operations, which typically allow residents to maintain clean clothing and linens on a regular schedule. Food service from the expanded kitchen areas usually provides three meals daily, with menus designed to meet nutritional requirements and accommodate various dietary needs. Recreation time may include access to outdoor areas, television viewing, and reading materials, depending on security classifications and facility policies.

Communication with family and friends typically follows federal detention standards, which may include scheduled telephone access, video visitation options, and mail correspondence under appropriate supervision. The facility's American Correctional Association accreditation, renewed in 2024 with a perfect score, reflects adherence to professional standards that often emphasize maintaining connections between residents and their support networks. Visiting procedures generally require advance scheduling and compliance with security protocols, while commissary services may be available to supplement basic necessities provided by the facility.