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 Washington Corrections Center For Women.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Washington Corrections 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 Washington Corrections Center For Women.

Frequently asked questions about Washington Corrections 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 Washington Corrections Center For Women.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Washington Corrections 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 Washington Corrections 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 Washington Corrections 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 Washington Corrections 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 Washington Corrections Center For Women?

   Mailing address:

   Washington Corrections Center For Women
   9601 Bujacich Rd
   Gig Harbor, WA 98332
   Phone: (253) 858-4200

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Washington Corrections Center For Women?

   Visiting hours at Washington Corrections 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 (253) 858-4200 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 Washington Corrections 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 Washington Corrections Center For Women for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Washington Corrections Center For Women?

   You can send money to an inmate at Washington Corrections 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 Washington Corrections Center For Women?

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

Through comprehensive programming designed to address the diverse needs of incarcerated women, meaningful support is provided across educational, vocational, and personal development areas. The facility’s approach recognizes that successful reintegration into the community requires addressing multiple facets of an individual’s life, from basic education to specialized skill development. Programs are structured to build upon each participant’s existing strengths while addressing areas that may have contributed to their involvement in the criminal justice system.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility’s offerings, with programs that may supply basic literacy instruction, high school equivalency preparation, and college correspondence courses for those seeking higher education opportunities. These academic programs often include individualized learning plans that accommodate different educational backgrounds and learning styles within the population. Moreover, vocational programs complement the educational services by providing hands-on training in various trades and industries, while work programs offer practical experience that helps participants develop workplace skills and responsibility.

Veteran services typically recognize the comprehensive challenges faced by women who have served in the military, providing specialized support that addresses both their service-related experiences and current circumstances. These support programs often include counseling services, benefits assistance, and connections to veteran-specific resources that may continue after release. The therapeutic and support services work together to create a network of assistance that extends beyond the facility walls, helping to establish foundations for successful community reintegration and family reunification.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured routines and clear organizational systems shape every aspect of life for the population at Washington Correctional Center for Women, creating predictable patterns that help residents navigate their daily experiences. Today typically begins with early morning counts and movement to dining areas, where meals are served at consistently scheduled times throughout the day. The facility generally operates on a structured schedule that includes work assignments, educational programs, and recreational periods, with movement between areas carefully coordinated to maintain order and safety.

Living accommodations are typically organized into housing units that may include dormitory-style arrangements or smaller room configurations, depending on security classification and available space. The population generally has access to personal property within established guidelines, and commissary services usually provide opportunities to purchase approved items for personal use. Moreover, dining arrangements often involve scheduled meal times in common areas, where residents gather for breakfast, lunch, and dinner served according to the facility’s operational schedule.

Recreation and exercise opportunities typically supply important structure to daily life, with access to outdoor areas, fitness equipment, and organized activities when available. Visitation policies generally allow for scheduled visits with family members and approved contacts, while communication options may include monitored phone calls and correspondence. Whereas many correctional facilities offer standard programming, this facility often includes gender-specific services that may address women’s particular needs, such as parenting classes and family reunification programs that help maintain connections with children and loved ones on the outside.