Life behind bars can be tough for loved ones of inmates, but staying connected through text messaging, phone calls and two-way video calling can ease some of that strain. Furthermore, doing so helps establish stronger relationships and support networks among them.
Important to keep in mind is that these services may only be offered at certain correctional facilities, so it is wise to contact each facility individually in order to see if they provide them.
Text Messaging
Text messaging offers one way of staying in contact with people in prison; however, be mindful that there may be restrictions in place regarding what you can send them. Before using this form of communication with loved ones at prison facilities, make sure you obtain approval first from staff before using email or web-based platforms to deliver messages via staff review and monitoring.
Based on your facility, tablet programs designed to assist prisoners communicate can also send messages directly. These programs can help foster healthy connections while supporting inmates’ efforts to build new lives after release from prison.
Many correctional facilities provide this service themselves while others partner with third-party providers to offer it. Either way, these apps offer an effective alternative to traditional forms of communication while helping reduce financial strain on both prisoners and their loved ones by eliminating stamps, paper, photo printers and visits to money order shops.
The messaging service allows loved ones of inmates to send and receive secure messages through a website or app, using credit to send and receive responses from inmates. Simply search for an inmate using their booking number or name, add them as an account contact, purchase credits for sending messages and, depending on the facility, possibly even add photos or attachments as needed.
Phone Calls
Phone calls can play an essential role in prisoner life. Being able to contact loved ones helps strengthen bonds that have already been formed between loved ones and prisoner alike and gives a sense of comfort to prisoners who often feel isolated within their cells.
Prisoners may only make phone calls to approved numbers, such as home, landline phones, pre-paid cell phones, internet services and 800 numbers. Calls made to workplaces, businesses, hospitals or international numbers are strictly forbidden.
Each facility has their own rules and regulations regarding prison phone use, which may change at any time. If an inmate is caught using their prison phone to conduct personal calls when they should be working or studying, this constitutes a serious breach of terms and conditions of confinement, possibly leading to their loss of phone privileges.
Remember that telephone calls are a privilege and not a right, with approval required from wardens or security officers before using this device. Prisoners have been known to misuse their phone calls for criminal activities as well as communication between groups within prison.
Staying in contact with family is crucial for maintaining an optimistic outlook in prison, and has been demonstrated to reduce their likelihood of returning after release from incarceration. Therefore, it’s vital for family members to understand all rules pertaining to visiting, calling and letter writing before their loved ones enter prison.
Letters
Letters remain an effective way for those with loved ones in prison to maintain communication. Not only can letters provide an important link with the outside world and remind prisoners who care about them, they can also reduce feelings of hopelessness and despair that often lead to discipline violations and self-harm, strengthening existing relationships as well as aiding rehabilitation and healing efforts.
Be cautious when writing to an inmate. Be careful to avoid discussing illegal activities or anything that could be seen as threatening, instead providing positive news and updates about yourself and what’s happening in the community – this will keep their interest alive while inspiring them to come out and live life again!
When sending letters, be sure to include both your name and return address, along with plain envelope without stickers, glue, glitter or fragrances. Also don’t send photos or drawings bigger than 8 x 10 inches as these will likely be confiscated by prison authorities.
If you are uncertain how to write to someone in prison, visit your local correctional facility’s website and use their database of prisoners as a starting point. They can find their name, location and crime history easily.
Money
Many prisoners use money to purchase basic necessities like food, clothing and entertainment with their limited funds in prison. Items purchased this way may fetch higher prices in prison than outside, leading to large debts between prisoners that often lead to bullying, blackmail and even violence among fellow inmates. It is best not to lend or pay someone’s prison debts as doing so could put you in trouble with either law enforcement agencies or their criminal gang.
Contactmeasap is an innovative service that allows loved ones to text federal inmates. With its secure and user-friendly interface that prioritizes privacy and provides cost-effective communication options, Contactmeasap gives inmates an experience of connection and normality that helps ease feelings of loneliness and isolation during incarceration.
Prisoners using this service can not only text but also send and receive pictures and videos. Unfortunately, due to strict security measures imposed by prison officials, this system may become unavailable at times – to ensure a successful communication experience, make sure the person you are speaking with understands how to use the application, cancel any standing orders/direct debits that are no longer needed so as not to incur unnecessary charges and fall further into debt upon their release from incarceration – potentially limiting future employment prospects or even inhibiting chances of parole approval.