Indiana

How to contact an inmate at Westville Correctional Facility

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for Westville Correctional Facility. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Westville Correctional Facility

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about Westville Correctional Facility
  5. Overview of Westville Correctional Facility
  6. Inmate services at Westville Correctional Facility

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Westville Correctional Facility:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Westville Correctional Facility

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 an message, start by searching for an inmate at Westville Correctional Facility .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Westville Correctional Facility

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

Frequently asked questions about Westville 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 Westville Correctional Facility.

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

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a 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 Westville 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 for 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 Westville 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 Westville Correctional Facility?
    Mailing address:

    Westville Correctional Facility
    5501 S 1100 W
    Westville , IN 46391
    (219) 785-2511

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

Overview of Westville Correctional Facility

Westville Correctional Facility, located in Northwest Indiana, is a maximum-security prison operated by the Indiana Department of Correction. First opened in 2002, the facility was designed to house 3,400 inmates, and it currently holds approximately 3,800. Men make up the majority of the inmate population, though there is a small female population as well.

Westville Correctional Facility is known for its many programs designed to help inmates prepare for their eventual re-entry into society. These offerings include educational and vocational opportunities, as well as mental health services and drug and alcohol treatment programs. Additionally, the facility has a specialized unit for veterans, providing resources and support for those who have served in the military and fallen into legal trouble.

In recent years, the Indiana Department of Correction has invested in expanding mental health services at Westville, recognizing the impact that mental health issues can have on the inmate population. The facility now has a 100-bed mental health dormitory, as well as a range of therapy and counseling services.

While Westville is designed to offer minimal interference with the outside world, the facility has faced controversy and criticism over the years. The ACLU filed a lawsuit against Westville in 2018, alleging that the facility was denying prisoners the right to worship in groups of more than four people, and that it was also failing to provide adequate Islamic programming. Additionally, some have raised concerns about the privatization of prison services and the treatment of inmates in for-profit detention centers

What services are provided by Westville Correctional Facility?

The Westville Correctional Facility located in Westville, Indiana provides a range of programs and services to its inmates. One of the main programs offered at the facility is vocational training which aims to equip inmates with skills and certification in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, electrical, and HVAC. This gives inmates the opportunity to gain competitive skills and improve their chances of finding employment upon release.

Another program Westville Correctional Facility provides is educational programs through partnerships with local community colleges. These programs include adult basic education, low-level literacy programs, and career readiness programs. Through this program, inmates are offered courses from high school to college-level education.

The facility also offers substance abuse programs to help inmates break free from their addiction. The programs use cognitive-behavioral approaches, motivational interviewing techniques and recovery coaching to help inmates deal with addiction and challenges. In addition, the facility established a Therapeutic Community program geared towards those inmates who struggle with addiction and mental health issues, encouraging a supportive environment that identifies triggers and work through relapse challenges.

Moreover, Westville Correctional Facility provides mental health services to its inmates. This involves psychiatric services and counseling services from licensed mental health and substance abuse specialists. This program helps inmates who suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, and other disorders.

Overall, the Westville Correctional Facility provides an array of programs and services to help inmates prepare for reentry into society after serving their sentences. These programs offer educational, vocational, and psychological assistance to prisoners, helping them gain the right tools and mindset required for better lives outside the facility.