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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Virginia Correctional Center for Women 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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women.

Frequently asked questions about Virginia Correctional Center for Women

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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Virginia Correctional Center for Women?

   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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women?

   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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women. 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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women. 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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women?

   Mailing address:

   Virginia Correctional Center for Women
   2841 River Rd W
   Goochland, VA 23063
   Phone: (804) 556-7500

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Virginia Correctional Center for Women?

   Visiting hours at Virginia Correctional Center for Women 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 (804) 556-7500 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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women?

   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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Virginia Correctional Center for Women?

   You can send money to an inmate at Virginia Correctional Center for Women 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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Virginia Correctional Center for Women, 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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women?

   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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women 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 Virginia Correctional Center for Women, 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

Personal growth and meaningful transformation take center stage through comprehensive offerings designed to address the diverse needs of those incarcerated. The facility typically emphasizes a structured approach that combines security with opportunities for skill development, ensuring participants can work toward building a foundation for successful community reintegration. These offerings often reflect a commitment to providing pathways that may help individuals develop both practical abilities and personal insights during their time of incarceration.

Educational advancement serves as a cornerstone of the facility's approach to rehabilitation. Those incarcerated may access education programs that often include opportunities to earn a high school diploma, addressing fundamental academic needs that can impact long-term success. Additionally, vocational training offerings typically provide hands-on experience in various trades and skill areas, allowing participants to develop marketable abilities that may enhance their employment prospects upon release.

Support services form an integral component of the facility's comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and preparation for community reentry. Cognitive behavioral programs may furnish structured interventions designed to help participants develop healthier thought patterns and decision-making skills. Family reunification offerings often focus on strengthening relationships and communication skills that can provide crucial support networks. Additionally, reentry preparation services typically include practical guidance on navigating challenges such as housing, employment, and community resources, helping those incarcerated develop concrete plans for their transition back into society.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong bonds with family members and connections to the outside community remain vital lifelines for those incarcerated at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women. These relationships now anchor daily routines that regularly include structured activities designed to maintain social connections and personal growth. Those incarcerated typically begin their days with scheduled count times, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or vocational training that furnish both structure and opportunities for interaction with peers and staff.

Living accommodations generally consist of housing units that may include dormitory-style arrangements or smaller residential pods, depending on security classification and program participation. Those incarcerated usually share living spaces with roommates, creating opportunities for social interaction and mutual support. Meals are typically served in communal dining areas at designated times, providing regular opportunities for conversation and community building. Additionally, recreational activities often include group exercise, sports, and hobby programs that encourage positive social engagement among residents.

Family-focused programming typically includes parenting classes, child development workshops, and family reunification support services. While visitation policies generally allow for regular contact with approved family members and friends, those incarcerated may also maintain connections through supervised phone calls and correspondence. Additionally, the facility often provides access to video visitation technology, which can help bridge distances for families unable to visit in person. These programs and communication options work together to help those incarcerated maintain meaningful relationships and prepare for successful reintegration with their families and communities upon release.