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 Van Zandt County Justice Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Van Zandt County Justice Center 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 Van Zandt County Justice Center.

Frequently asked questions about Van Zandt County Justice Center

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 Van Zandt County Justice Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Van Zandt County Justice Center?

   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 Van Zandt County Justice Center?

   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 Van Zandt County Justice Center. 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 Van Zandt County Justice Center. 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 Van Zandt County Justice Center?

   Mailing address:

   Van Zandt County Justice Center
   1220 W Dallas St
   Canton, TX 75103
   Phone: (903) 567-4133

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Van Zandt County Justice Center?

   Visiting hours at Van Zandt County Justice Center 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 (903) 567-4133 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 Van Zandt County Justice Center?

   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 Van Zandt County Justice Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Van Zandt County Justice Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Van Zandt County Justice Center 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 Van Zandt County Justice Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Van Zandt County Justice Center, 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 Van Zandt County Justice Center?

   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 Van Zandt County Justice Center 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 Van Zandt County Justice Center, 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

Comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives at Van Zandt County Detention Center emphasize personal development through structured educational pathways and skill-building opportunities. The facility’s approach recognizes that meaningful change occurs when residents engage with diverse learning experiences that address both immediate educational needs and long-term career preparation. These initiatives typically operate under a philosophy that combines academic advancement with practical skill development, creating a foundation for successful community reintegration.

Educational initiatives may deliver tutoring programs designed to address individual learning gaps while supporting residents pursuing high school diploma completion. These academic opportunities often include individualized instruction that accommodates varying educational backgrounds and learning styles. Moreover, vocational training initiatives typically provide hands-on experience in trades and technical skills that align with regional employment opportunities, allowing residents to develop marketable competencies during their incarceration period.

Support services often encompass work programs that may offer structured daily routines while teaching workplace responsibility and time management skills. Faith-based initiatives typically provide spiritual guidance and community support networks that many residents find beneficial for personal reflection and behavioral change. These therapeutic approaches often include time management workshops and life skills development sessions that address practical challenges residents may face upon release, creating a comprehensive support system that extends beyond traditional correctional programming.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of scheduled activities begins before dawn and continues throughout each day, delivering a framework that residents at Van Zandt County Detention Center rely upon for consistency. Today, like every day, residents wake to the sound of morning count, followed by breakfast service that typically occurs in designated dining areas where meals are served at regularly scheduled intervals. This structured approach ensures that residents can anticipate what comes next, creating a sense of predictability that many find stabilizing during their time at the facility.

Living accommodations generally consist of housing units where residents are assigned based on classification levels and security considerations. These units typically include basic furnishings such as beds, storage areas for personal belongings, and shared common spaces where residents may spend portions of their day. Whereas some facilities operate differently, residents here usually have access to commissary services where they can purchase approved personal items and snacks, though availability may depend on their account balance and facility policies. The housing environment is designed to maintain security while providing necessary living space for daily activities.

Moreover, the facility typically offers various programs and recreational opportunities that help residents maintain physical fitness and mental well-being throughout their stay. Exercise periods are usually scheduled in designated areas, and residents may have access to television viewing, reading materials, and other approved recreational activities during specified times. Family connections remain important, and the facility generally provides visitation opportunities and telephone access according to established schedules and security protocols. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, cleaning responsibilities, and maintenance tasks that help residents contribute to daily operations while developing routine work habits that deliver structure to their days.