It depends on the facility, there are some good vendors who have great deals (compared to the commissary options)... but you should contact the nit secretary at the facility to get their rules
Read moreThe 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
Read moreWe have a lot of active members who write the celebrity inmates often... you'd be surprised at the number of responses that get mailed back through our system. From OJ Simpson, Aaron Hernandez (deceased now), the Menendez brothers, R Kelly, Meek Mill, Kodak Black, and Jodie Arias to crypto scammer Sam Bankman Fried and many more.
Read moresend an email to aid@inmateaid.com for any corrections or general assistance
Read moreYes, 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
Read moreThe phone system through InmateAid allows you to "use a local number" inside the United States so that your inmate doesn't have to absorb the high cost of international calls
Read moreYes to both questions and neither is as complicated as it might seem. Writing to an inmate you have never met is perfectly acceptable and happens more than most people realize. Pen pal relationships between inmates and people on the outside who found them through inmate pen pal directories, advocacy organizations, or personal research are common and in many cases genuinely meaningful for both parties. There is no requirement that you have a prior relationship with someone before sending
Read morecall the facility and ask them
Read moreYou cannot call an inmate, the inmate MUST initiate the call. If you want to get the conversation started, send them a postcard with your number on it
Read moreIt's incredibly boring, sad and very lonely and I would always welcome someone to talk to or to write back and forth with
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