When in the hole. Is there any way to know why they are in there. Like what he did to get there. And can he have any contact with family?

Inmates that are sent to the SHU, the hole or solitary confinement (they are all the same) are allowed to receive and send mail regularly. Their phone privileges are restricted to one 15-minute call per week. Visitation is 50/50 depending on the offense. As far as getting a reason for the punishment, the only person that will tell you what happened is the inmate themselves, and they will know whether or not they can have a visit. The staff will not share disciplinary measures due to privacy laws.