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 Whitworth Women's Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Whitworth Women's 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 Whitworth Women's Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Whitworth Women's 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 Whitworth Women's Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Whitworth Women's 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 Whitworth Women's Facility?

   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 Whitworth Women's 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 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 Whitworth Women's 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 Whitworth Women's Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Whitworth Women's Facility
   414 Valley Hart Rd
   Hartwell, GA 30643
   Phone: (706) 856-2601

5. What are the visiting hours at Whitworth Women's Facility?

   Visiting hours at Whitworth Women's Facility 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 (706) 856-2601 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 Whitworth Women's Facility?

   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 Whitworth Women's Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Whitworth Women's Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Whitworth Women's Facility 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 Whitworth Women's Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Whitworth Women's Facility, 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 Whitworth Women's Facility?

   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 Whitworth Women's Facility 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 Whitworth Women's Facility, 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

The Whitworth Women's Facility in Georgia provides a comprehensive range of educational opportunities designed to support female offenders in their rehabilitation journey. Academic programs include General Education Diploma preparation, Adult Basic Education, and Literacy Remedial services, helping inmates develop essential skills for successful reintegration. The facility's vocational and on-the-job training programs offer practical experience in areas such as custodial maintenance, grounds maintenance, laundry operations, building maintenance repair, and food service positions including baker, cook apprentice, and kitchen helper roles.

Counseling and therapeutic services form a cornerstone of the facility's programming approach, with specialized offerings including Moral Recognition Therapy, Matrix treatment, Relapse Group sessions, and Motivation for Change programs. The facility also provides re-entry preparation services and Active Parenting classes to help inmates develop essential life skills. Additionally, the Family Violence program addresses specific needs within the female offender population. These therapeutic interventions work alongside general recreation activities and various religious services, including worship services and Bible study groups, to support inmates' overall well-being.

The facility may also offer additional support services typical of Georgia correctional institutions, such as medical and mental health care, library services, and commissary access. Work detail assignments extend beyond the facility grounds to include projects for Hart, Elbert, and Madison Counties, as well as the cities of Elberton, Lavonia, and Royston, plus assignments with the Department of Transportation and Department of Natural Resources. These community-based work opportunities often provide valuable experience while contributing to public service projects throughout the region.

Daily Life & Visitation

The seven open dormitories at Whitworth Women's Facility house 436 women in a medium-security environment, where residents typically begin their days early with scheduled counts and meal preparation duties. Many women participate in work assignments that extend beyond the facility grounds, contributing to Hart, Elbert, and Madison Counties through various community service projects, as well as supporting the Department of Transportation and Department of Natural Resources operations. These outside work details often provide structure to the daily routine while allowing residents to develop practical skills in areas like custodial maintenance, grounds keeping, and food preparation.

Visitation provides an important connection to family and friends, with scheduled hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on alternating days - Saturdays for visitors with last names M-Z and Sundays for A-L, including state holidays. Between visits, residents may participate in educational programs such as General Education Diploma preparation and Adult Basic Education, or engage in counseling sessions including Moral Recognition Therapy and re-entry planning. The facility also offers various worship services and Bible study sessions, along with general recreation activities that help maintain physical and mental well-being.

Evening hours typically involve returning from work assignments, participating in ongoing programs like Active Parenting classes or family violence counseling, and preparing for the next day's activities. The facility's mission to house both medium and minimum security residents, including those requiring Level II outpatient mental health services, means that daily routines may vary based on individual security classifications and treatment needs, with six segregation cells available when heightened security measures are necessary.