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 Ventress Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Ventress 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 Ventress Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   Ventress Correctional Facility
   379 AL-239
   Clayton, AL 36016
   Phone: (334) 775-3331

5. What are the visiting hours at Ventress Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Ventress 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 (334) 775-3331 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 Ventress 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 Ventress Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Ventress 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 Ventress Correctional Facility?

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

Comprehensive support flows through carefully structured programs designed to address the diverse needs of the population at Ventress Correctional Center. The facility's approach centers on providing multiple pathways for personal growth and skill development, recognizing that meaningful change often occurs through sustained participation in various supportive services. These programs typically emphasize building practical skills while fostering personal responsibility and community connections.

Educational opportunities form a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, with education programs designed to help participants advance their academic foundations. Literacy programs may supply targeted instruction for those seeking to improve basic reading and writing skills, often serving as stepping stones to more advanced learning opportunities. These educational services typically focus on preparing the population for successful reintegration by addressing fundamental knowledge gaps that may have contributed to their circumstances.

Additionally, therapeutic and support services provide essential resources for addressing underlying challenges and building healthy coping mechanisms. Group therapy sessions often include structured discussions that help participants process experiences and develop better interpersonal skills. The facility may offer work release programs that allow eligible individuals to maintain employment connections, while faith-based programs typically provide spiritual support and community engagement opportunities. Domestic violence programs often address specific behavioral patterns, and grounds maintenance work may supply practical job skills while contributing to facility operations and instilling a sense of purpose and responsibility.

Daily Life & Visitation

Systematic organization forms the backbone of every interaction and activity within the facility, creating a predictable framework that guides the population through each day. At present, the structured environment actively manages daily routines through established schedules that typically begin with early morning counts and progress through designated periods for meals, work assignments, and programming activities. The population generally follows a regimented timeline that supplies consistency and order throughout the facility.

Housing units at Ventress Correctional Center are typically organized to accommodate the population in dormitory-style or cell-based arrangements, depending on security classifications and individual circumstances. Living spaces generally include basic furnishings and personal storage areas where residents may keep approved personal property and commissary items. Additionally, the facility usually maintains designated areas for dining services, where meals are served at scheduled times in organized shifts to manage the population flow effectively.

While daily structure remains paramount, the facility often provides various programming opportunities that may include educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities during designated periods. Work assignments typically supply both facility maintenance roles and skill-building opportunities for those in the population who participate in these programs. Family connections are generally maintained through scheduled visitation periods and communication options such as phone calls and correspondence, which help residents stay connected with their support systems while serving their time.