Youth may send letters, and they may receive stamps, letters, or money. If they do not have stamps, we give them up to three per week. You may send more stamps if you like.
To help us make sure mail gets to your child, please put their full legal name and their living unit on the envelope.
MacLaren staff open and inspect all mail to make sure it does not contain anything that threatens or is detrimental to facility security, safety, or order. This is to keep all youth and staff safe.
The following types of mail are not allowed, and may be rejected:
- Mail that does not have a sending or return address.
- Mail with escape plans or plans to commit a crime or violate facility rules.
- Sexually explicit material.
- Contraband items, including weapons, explosives, medications, electronic items, or photos with chemical substances on the back.
- Mail from other incarcerated people, including other youth at OYA facilities, unless the facility superintendent approves in advance.
- Mail to or from the youth’s victims, unless the facility superintendent approves in advance.
- Publications that are contraband or harmful to a youth’s reformation.
- Mail with attachments or enclosures that are glued, taped, or otherwise affixed to the envelope or its contents, such as stickers.
If your mail is rejected, we will notify you and your youth within five business days of when we reject it. The notification will include information about how to appeal.
Read more about this.
Packages
Youth on intake units (Noble and Maple) may not receive packages.