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 Western Illinois Correctional.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Western Illinois Correctional 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 Western Illinois Correctional.

Frequently asked questions about Western Illinois Correctional

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 Western Illinois Correctional.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Western Illinois Correctional?

   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 Western Illinois Correctional?

   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 Western Illinois Correctional. 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 Western Illinois Correctional. 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 Western Illinois Correctional?

   Mailing address:

   Western Illinois Correctional
   2500 IL-99
   Mt Sterling, IL 62353
   Phone: (217) 773-4441

5. What are the visiting hours at Western Illinois Correctional?

   Visiting hours at Western Illinois Correctional 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 (217) 773-4441 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 Western Illinois Correctional?

   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 Western Illinois Correctional for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Western Illinois Correctional?

   You can send money to an inmate at Western Illinois Correctional 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 Western Illinois Correctional?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Western Illinois Correctional, 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 Western Illinois Correctional?

   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 Western Illinois Correctional 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 Western Illinois Correctional, 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

Programs designed to facilitate successful reentry form the cornerstone of operations at Western Illinois Correctional Center, a medium-security facility serving adult males in Mount Sterling, Illinois. The facility maintains various initiatives aimed at preparing individuals for their return to the community, though specific program details may vary based on current availability and individual needs.

Educational opportunities typically include adult basic education and GED preparation programs, allowing individuals to complete their high school equivalency while incarcerated. The facility may also offer vocational training programs that provide practical skills in trades such as maintenance, food service, or manufacturing. These programs often work in conjunction with the facility's work assignments, which may include positions in facility operations, grounds maintenance, and kitchen services. Additionally, the center likely provides substance abuse counseling and mental health services to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior.

Support services at Western Illinois Correctional Center may include pre-release planning assistance, job readiness training, and life skills workshops that cover topics such as financial literacy and conflict resolution. The facility maintains connections with community organizations that can provide continued support upon release, though specific partnerships may vary. With its focus on reentry preparation and a current population of approximately 1,442 individuals, the center works to ensure that those in custody have access to resources that can help reduce recidivism and promote successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Within the 32-acre perimeter of Western Illinois Correctional Center, residents begin each day in one of the facility's 21 buildings that house the general population. The medium security environment accommodates structured routines that balance supervision with opportunities for personal development and maintaining family connections.

Communication with loved ones forms a vital part of the weekly schedule, with video visitation available seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families must sign up in advance for these sessions and are encouraged to log on 15 minutes before their scheduled time. Beyond video calls, residents can stay connected through ICS CorrLinks electronic messaging and traditional mail sent to their housing units. The facility's location in Mount Sterling allows for visits from family members throughout central Illinois, though all visitors must follow IDOC guidelines and may request ADA accommodations when needed.

Throughout the week, residents participate in various programs designed to support successful reentry into the community. The facility's role as the parent institution for Clayton Work Camp provides additional opportunities for qualified individuals to engage in work-based programming. Between structured activities, meal times, and evening hours, residents typically have access to recreational activities, educational opportunities, and other services that help maintain physical and mental well-being during their time at the facility.