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 Valdosta State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Valdosta State Prison 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 Valdosta State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Valdosta State Prison

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 Valdosta State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Valdosta State Prison?

   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 Valdosta State Prison?

   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 Valdosta State Prison. 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 Valdosta State Prison. 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 Valdosta State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Valdosta State Prison
   3259 Val Tech Rd
   Valdosta, GA 31602
   Phone: (229) 333-7900

5. What are the visiting hours at Valdosta State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Valdosta State Prison 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 (229) 333-7900 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 Valdosta State Prison?

   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 Valdosta State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Valdosta State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Valdosta State Prison 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 Valdosta State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Valdosta State Prison, 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 Valdosta State Prison?

   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 Valdosta State Prison 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 Valdosta State Prison, 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

Mental health services form a cornerstone of operations at Valdosta State Prison, with dedicated housing units specifically designed to support inmates requiring specialized care. The facility maintains six Mental Health units with 264 beds, along with 12 Acute Care Unit beds and four Crisis Stabilization Unit beds, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health and intellectual disability needs. Academic programming centers around General Education Diploma preparation, providing inmates with foundational educational opportunities to support their reintegration efforts.

The facility's vocational training opportunities span multiple areas including horticulture, food service, maintenance, and barbering through various work details. Inmates may participate in grounds maintenance, laundry operations, and other institutional support roles that develop practical job skills. The Annex component extends these opportunities through outside work details with community partners, including assignments with the Department of Transportation and local government entities. Additionally, the facility houses a Residential Substance Abuse Program with 100 designated beds, offering specialized treatment for inmates struggling with addiction issues.

Specialized programs may include evidence-based counseling services designed to address behavioral patterns and support rehabilitation goals. The facility's structure as both a Tier I & II institution allows for varied programming approaches based on individual needs and security classifications. Support services typically encompass medical care, library access, and recreational activities, though specific details of these programs may vary. The combination of mental health services, educational opportunities, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment reflects a multi-faceted approach to preparing inmates for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visiting hours at Valdosta State Prison operate on a structured schedule, with general population inmates receiving visits on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while tier visitation occurs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM with advance scheduling required. This close-security facility, which opened in 1989 with renovations completed that same year, houses adult male felons across multiple housing configurations including 10 general population units accommodating 500 beds, six specialized mental health units with 264 beds, and isolation areas. The facility's Annex provides additional housing for 554 inmates in medium and minimum security classifications, with 100 beds specifically designated for the Residential Substance Abuse Program.

Inmates typically engage in various work assignments throughout the facility, including positions as orderlies, grounds maintenance workers, food service staff, barbers, and maintenance personnel. Those housed in the Annex may qualify for outside work details with organizations such as the Department of Transportation, City of Valdosta, and Lowndes County, providing opportunities to contribute to community services while developing job skills. The facility often includes academic programming such as General Education Diploma courses, along with vocational training opportunities that may prepare inmates for employment upon release.

The prison's mission centers on maintaining custody of close-security offenders while providing educational services, mental health care, and specialized counseling programs. With specialized units including a Special Management Unit, Crisis Stabilization Unit, and Acute Care Unit, the facility typically addresses diverse inmate needs ranging from general population housing to intensive mental health support. The Georgia Correctional Industries chemical plant located on the Annex grounds manufactures cleaning supplies for correctional facilities throughout the state, offering additional work opportunities and skills training for eligible inmates.