York Correctional Inst, CT

Visiting York Correctional Institution takes some prep, but it's manageable once you know the rules. First, you must be on the inmate's approved visiting list before you can visit—inmates can add a facility-dependent number of approved visitors, and the facility may cancel visits at its discretion. Bring valid photo ID for every adult. Bringing someone under 16? You'll need the child's birth certificate plus one additional document showing the child's name. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Late arrivals can mean a shorter visit or cancellation. In-person visits are currently limited to 30 minutes to allow disinfecting between sessions, with no more than two visitors (including children) per visit. A few other things to know: visits aren't held on state-observed holidays, offenders on quarantine status can't have social visits, and cell phones or electronic devices aren't allowed inside.

York CI offers free video visits, but you'll need a valid email address and must receive confirmation from the facility before your visit is booked. You'll join through Microsoft Teams using a device with working video and audio. Up to three authorized adult visitors can participate; youth who live in the household and certain minors don't count toward that limit. Recording isn't allowed on your end—visitors are prohibited from using personal devices to record, and facility staff record all video visits. The same conduct and dress-code rules that apply to in-person visits apply here too. Complete the facility's scheduling steps and device checklist before your appointment.

Mail at York CI needs to be addressed correctly: include the inmate's full name, inmate number, and the facility address on every piece of correspondence. Want to send reading material? Books and magazines are only accepted when they're new and shipped directly from the bookstore, book club, or publisher—don't send used copies or have them mailed from a personal address. Skip the padded envelopes; they can slow down delivery. Both incoming and outgoing mail may be screened for contraband. Some people can't correspond with an inmate, including victims of the inmate's offenses (when applicable) and minors if a parent or guardian objects in writing. One more thing: clothing packages can't be sent or dropped off by family or friends. Clothing comes through agency channels and commissary.

Sending money to someone at York CI is usually straightforward, but one rule trips people up: the facility won't process direct deposits to Securus/JPay tablet media accounts for incarcerated people with outstanding PLRA financial obligations. If that applies, tablet-credit deposits may never post—use a different method instead. Common ways to send funds include mailed money orders (include the department's remitter form) and approved electronic deposit services. Processing times vary by method. Fill out the remitter form exactly to prevent rejections or misapplied deposits. You don't have to be on someone's approved visitor list to send funds. Unsure which forms or services are currently required? Confirm with York CI before sending anything.