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 York Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at York Correctional Institution 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 York Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about York Correctional Institution

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 York Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to York Correctional Institution?

   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 York Correctional Institution?

   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 York Correctional Institution. 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 York Correctional Institution. 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 York Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   York Correctional Institution
   201 W Main St
   East Lyme, CT 06357
   Phone: (860) 451-3001

   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

5. What are the visiting hours at York Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at York Correctional Institution 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 (860) 451-3001 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 York Correctional Institution?

   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 York Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at York Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at York Correctional Institution 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 York Correctional Institution?

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

   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 York Correctional Institution 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 York Correctional Institution, 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 Connecticut Department of Correction operates York Correctional Institution with a structured visiting program that reflects the facility’s commitment to maintaining family connections during incarceration. With security levels ranging from 2-5, the institution typically provides a comprehensive range of rehabilitative services designed to support individuals throughout their incarceration and prepare them for successful reintegration into their communities.

Educational programming at York CI may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy courses to help individuals develop fundamental academic skills. The facility often offers vocational training programs that provide practical job skills in areas such as food service, maintenance, and other trades relevant to post-release employment opportunities. Counseling services typically encompass substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and behavioral programming designed to address the underlying factors that may have contributed to criminal behavior.

Additional support services may include religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and library access to promote personal growth and positive use of time during incarceration. The institution’s medical services, coordinated through a dedicated medical fax line, ensure that healthcare needs are addressed appropriately. Work assignments and life skills programming often complement these services, helping individuals develop responsibility and practical abilities that will serve them well upon release. These comprehensive programming efforts reflect the facility’s role in supporting rehabilitation while maintaining appropriate security measures for the various custody levels housed at the institution.

Daily Life & Visitation

At York Correctional Institution in Niantic, Connecticut, incarcerated individuals navigate a structured environment while maintaining important connections with family and friends through the facility’s visiting program. The institution allows eligible individuals up to two visits during weekdays (Monday through Friday), which can include in-person visits, video visits, or a combination of both, plus one additional visit on weekends. Video visits require advance scheduling and completion of a visiting request form, while in-person visits no longer need to be pre-scheduled, though all visitors must be on an approved, active visiting list.

The facility operates as a multi-level security institution, housing individuals classified from Level 2 through Level 5, which typically means residents follow different daily schedules and have varying degrees of movement within the facility based on their security classification. Those in lower security levels may have more opportunities for programming, work assignments, and recreational activities, while higher security residents often have more restricted movement and structured time. The institution generally provides essential services including medical care, educational programs, and vocational training opportunities that help structure the daily routine for residents.

Located on West Main Street, the facility maintains regular communication channels for families, including phone access at (860) 451-3001 and separate medical communication lines. Like most Connecticut correctional facilities, York CI likely provides basic amenities such as meals, recreation time, library access, and religious services as part of the daily schedule. The institution emphasizes that courtesy visits are not accommodated during the established 72 hours of an individual’s incarceration, allowing new residents time to adjust to the facility’s routines and complete intake processes before receiving visitors.