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 Vienna Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Vienna Correctional 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 Vienna Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Vienna Correctional 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 Vienna Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Vienna Correctional 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 Vienna Correctional 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 Vienna Correctional 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 Vienna Correctional 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 Vienna Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Vienna Correctional Center
   6695 IL-146
   Vienna, IL 62995
   Phone: (618) 658-8371

5. What are the visiting hours at Vienna Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Vienna Correctional 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 (618) 658-8371 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 Vienna Correctional 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 Vienna Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Vienna Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Vienna Correctional 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 Vienna Correctional Center?

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

With a mission centered on providing a rehabilitative foundation for reintegration into society, Vienna Correctional Center emphasizes comprehensive programming designed to prepare individuals for successful community reentry. The facility operates the Dixon Springs Impact Incarceration Program (IIP), which typically focuses on intensive rehabilitation and behavioral modification for participants. This minimum-security facility for adult males combines secure supervision with educational opportunities, reflecting the Illinois Department of Corrections' commitment to reducing recidivism through evidence-based programming.

Educational services at Vienna Correctional Center may include adult basic education (ABE), GED preparation, and literacy programs to help individuals develop essential academic skills. The facility often provides vocational training opportunities that could encompass areas such as building maintenance, food service, landscaping, or other practical trades that enhance employment prospects upon release. Counseling and therapeutic services typically address substance abuse treatment, anger management, cognitive behavioral programming, and mental health support to help individuals address underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration.

Support services at the facility commonly include library access, recreational activities, and religious programming to promote personal development and maintain family connections. The center's video visitation system, operating daily with scheduled time slots, helps individuals maintain important relationships with family and friends during their incarceration. Work assignments within the facility may provide individuals with opportunities to develop job skills and work habits while contributing to facility operations, preparing them for employment opportunities following their release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Video visitation sessions at Vienna Correctional Center operate twice daily from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., seven days a week, requiring visitors to log on fifteen minutes before their scheduled time. This structured communication schedule reflects the facility's approach to maintaining regular contact between the 713 individuals in custody and their families while ensuring security protocols are followed. The center, which opened in November 1965 and operates as a minimum security facility for adult males, emphasizes rehabilitation alongside supervision as part of its mission to prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society.

The facility's minimum security classification typically allows for more movement and programming opportunities compared to higher security levels. Individuals in custody may participate in educational programs, vocational training, and work assignments that support both facility operations and skill development. With an operational capacity of 1,072 beds, Vienna Correctional Center maintains structured daily routines that often include scheduled meals, programming activities, recreation time, and evening lockdown procedures. The facility also serves as the parent institution for the Dixon Springs Impact Incarceration Program, though current enrollment in that program shows zero participants.

Communication with family and friends extends beyond video visits through the ICSolutions electronic messaging system, which has replaced previous communication platforms. All correspondence must be addressed properly with the individual's name and IDOC number to the facility's State Route 146 East location in Vienna, Illinois. The center's focus on providing "a rehabilitative foundation for reintegration into society" suggests that daily programming may include counseling services, life skills training, and preparation for eventual release, though specific program details vary based on individual needs and facility resources.