This is one of the most thoughtful questions a person on the outside can ask and the fact that you are asking it before making mistakes puts you ahead of most people in this situation. The single most important thing you can do is be consistent. Consistency is everything inside. A letter that arrives regularly, a call that comes through on a predictable schedule, and a person on the outside who does what they say they are going to do becomes...

The Bureau of Prisons has been rolling out tablet access across federal facilities through a contract with GTL, and FCI Bennettsville is part of the federal system that has received tablets as part of that initiative. At most BOP facilities where tablets have been deployed, inmates can use them to access CorrLinks email, which is the federal system's electronic messaging platform. This is one of the primary functions of the tablets and allows inmates to send and receive messages without having...

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice publishes information about transitional centers and reentry facilities through their Reentry and Integration Division. The most current rules, regulations, and intake guidelines for the Austin Transitional Center can be found on the TDCJ website at tdcj.texas.gov/divisions/rid/index.html. That page covers parole and reentry program information including what to expect upon arrival, what items are permitted, and how the transitional center operates. It is worth reviewing thoroughly before your son reports, as transitional centers have specific property...

Yes, several vendors specialize in prison-approved care packages, including holiday boxes and many facilities do allow them during specific windows around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The process works a little differently than standard mail and understanding how it is set up saves a lot of frustration. Most facilities that allow holiday packages contract with a specific approved vendor rather than accepting packages from just anywhere. The facility controls which vendor is authorized and what can be ordered through them. Common vendors used...