No time like the present. Help him make a four-year plan that will give him the tools to succeed when he's released. The job training in the facility is one physical skill set, but learning about other things through reading can and will change his life if he has the right attitude. What are his main interests? People tend to read stuff that interests them, I ended up reading a lot more that I ever would have on the outside.

OMG... 30 DAYS!! give her a blankie, mag subscriptions take longer than 30 days to start LOL

there is literally nothing you can do as an outsider. raising any turmoil over treatment will likely create more bad treatment, not less... Unless you know a congressman or senator that can raise this issue from their angle, nothing will improve.

you know it's up to the inmate themself... some respond the second they get your letter, others might procrastinate which could happen for a number of reasons... be patient, it ain't easy being locked up

the short answer is "no". however, there is a very robust black market in dealing cigarettes between inmates. if you inmate wants to smoke they will find a way

Prison is no joke. Taking it seriously and showing no emotion is the right attitude. With a 30-month sentence, she is probably in the camp which is a minimum-security federal prison. It's probably never going to reach the level of the stuff you'd see on Orange Is the New Black. My advice, use this time to work on herself; exercise, read, write letters home. This is not the worse situation she could be in.

They wait in line. There are limited shower heads and the allotted time for showers isn't all day, so they have to plan... and wait their turn

yes and yes

as few as possible... but sometimes you have to protect yourself and let nature take it's course

call the institution and start with the unit team secretary, then the counselor, and then the case manager. One of them will give you a status report on your inmate