Schema: Article + FAQPage
Internal links (5): Illinois inmate search, send money to Illinois inmates, Illinois reentry resources, Staying Connected hub, how prison works hub
Voice: Formerly-incarcerated narrator. Plain, direct, honest. Written to the family member on the outside.
META BLOCK:
Family Rights and Advocacy in Illinois | InmateAid
Illinois changed how mail works effective September 30, 2025. Physical mail is no longer delivered to incarcerated people in Illinois state prisons. IDOC now scans or photocopies all incoming non-privileged mail and delivers it to recipients digitally through tablets or as printed copies.
Publications -- books, magazines, newspapers -- must now be mailed directly from the publisher. Family members and friends can no longer purchase publications and mail them. Any publications with a postmark after September 30, 2025 that were sent by friends or family have been returned to sender.
This change was controversial. It was enacted through an emergency rule in August 2025. A key legislative committee objected, saying it did not warrant emergency status. CRIIC (Communities and Relatives of Illinois Incarcerated Citizens) and Restore Justice opposed it. 4,221 public comments were received -- the vast majority against the change. The rule is in effect. Legislation was proposed during the veto session to prohibit IDOC and vendors from charging families extra fees for mail communications. Verify the current status of that legislation at restorejustice.org.
What has not changed -- and what families fought for: Illinois allows up to **seven in-person visits per month** per incarcerated person. Video visits are not interchangeable with in-person visits and do not count toward that limit. Both of these were won through family advocacy by CRIIC.
In November 2025, IDOC launched the **Voices of Connection** pilot program providing no-cost phone minutes to incarcerated people. This is significant: previously, families spent approximately $6.20 per month just to maintain phone contact. Verify current scope and participating facilities at idoc.illinois.gov.
Phone and video: **ICS Solutions (ICSolutions.com)**. Phones transitioned to ICS Solutions; video visitation transitioned from GTL to ICS Solutions for all facilities (except ATCs) by June 10, 2025.
The IDOC **Family Liaison** -- Natalie Mason -- handles complaints and issues from people visiting their loved ones. Her office is required by law to publish an annual report on complaints and resolutions. Direct contact: **217-558-2200 x6226** (8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri) | DOC.Constituent.Services@illinois.gov.
What Families Are Facing in Illinois
Illinois IDOC operates facilities across the state but concentrated in two geographic clusters: northern Illinois (Chicago-area) and southern Illinois (the "Little Egypt" region near the Missouri and Kentucky borders).
**Reception and Classification (R&C) Centers -- where new arrivals go first:**
- **Northern Reception Center at Stateville** (Crest Hill, Will County) -- northern Illinois males
- **Graham Correctional Center** (Hillsboro, Montgomery County) -- also R&C function
- **Menard Correctional Center** (Chester, Randolph County, far southern Illinois) -- R&C function
- **Logan Correctional Center** (Lincoln, Logan County, central Illinois) -- all female R&C and ongoing housing
**Major state prisons (males):**
- Stateville (Crest Hill, Will County, ~30 miles SW of Chicago)
- Pontiac (Pontiac, Livingston County, central Illinois)
- Menard (Chester, Randolph County -- 4+ hours south of Chicago)
- Pinckneyville (Perry County, southern Illinois)
- Shawnee (Vienna, Johnson County, far southern Illinois)
- Hill (Galesburg, Knox County, western Illinois)
**Women's facilities:**
- Logan Correctional Center (Lincoln, Logan County)
- Decatur Correctional Center (Decatur, Macon County)
The distances in Illinois are significant. Menard in Chester is more than 4 hours south of Chicago -- where the majority of incarcerated people's families live. Shawnee in Vienna is even farther south. For a family in Chicago or the suburbs, visiting someone at Menard is a full-day commitment.
On mail: see above -- scanning since September 30, 2025. Physical letters are scanned; residents receive digital or printed copies. Publications must come directly from the publisher.
On money: IDOC uses JPay for commissary deposits. Verify through idoc.illinois.gov.
Your Rights as a Family Member in Illinois
Visitation rights
Illinois allows up to **seven in-person visits per month** per incarcerated person. This was won through CRIIC advocacy -- it is a named, fought-for right, not a baseline.
Visits must be scheduled in advance online (changed post-COVID). All visits are subject to lockdown restrictions -- IDOC posts lockdown information at idoc.illinois.gov; check before traveling.
**30-day no-visit rule at R&C centers**: When your loved one first enters an R&C center (Stateville/Northern Reception, Graham, Menard, or Logan for women), there are no visits for the first 30 days. After 30 days, limited visits, mail, and phone calls are allowed. This mirrors the intake restrictions in Georgia (60 days) and other states -- many families show up and are turned away not knowing this rule exists.
After the R&C period, your loved one will be transferred to a permanent facility. You need their IDOC number (posted on the IDOC website within 1-2 days of arrival at R&C) and the facility address to visit or contact them.
Video visits are available through ICS Solutions and are NOT interchangeable with or a substitute for in-person visits -- CRIIC advocacy confirmed this distinction with IDOC.
Communication rights
Phone: ICS Solutions (ICSolutions.com). The Voices of Connection pilot (November 2025) provides no-cost phone minutes to incarcerated people at participating facilities. Verify current pilot scope at idoc.illinois.gov.
Video: ICS Solutions. All IDOC facilities (except ATCs) transitioned from GTL to ICS Solutions by June 10, 2025. Register with ICS Solutions at ICSolutions.com. If you had a GTL account, enter your GTL Visitor ID when registering with ICS Solutions to expedite the approval process.
All calls are recorded except legal calls to attorneys.
Notification rights
IDOC is not required to notify family members of transfers. VINE (VINELink) is available for anyone -- not just crime victims -- and notifies registered users when an incarcerated person moves or is approaching parole. Register via the link on your loved one's IDOC page at idoc.illinois.gov.
IDOC notifies next of kin for serious medical emergencies and deaths. Your loved one must have designated you as next of kin in their records.
Grievance rights
Internal IDOC grievances must be filed by the incarcerated person. Family members cannot file internal grievances.
As a family member, your external pathways are stronger in Illinois than most states:
1. **IDOC Family Liaison (Natalie Mason)**: 217-558-2200 x6226 | DOC.Constituent.Services@illinois.gov | required by law to publish an annual report on family/visitor complaints and resolutions. This is a specific, family-focused contact.
2. **CRIIC / Restore Justice Foundation**: janderson@restorejustice.org -- the organization that established the Family Liaison and won 7 visits per month. They know the system from the inside.
3. **John Howard Association (JHA)**: thejha.org -- independent monitors of Illinois prisons; they want to hear about your experience with Constituent Services.
4. **ACLU of Illinois**: aclu-il.org -- for civil rights violations and systemic issues.
IDOC Family Liaison: The Dedicated Family Contact
Illinois is one of the few states in the series with a legislatively mandated Family Liaison -- a named, dedicated position within IDOC specifically for family and visitor complaints.
**Natalie Mason, IDOC Family Liaison**
Office of Constituent Services
Phone: **217-558-2200 x6226**
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri
Email: DOC.Constituent.Services@illinois.gov
Mail: 1301 Concordia Court, P.O. Box 19277, Springfield, IL 62794-9277
What the Family Liaison does: handles complaints and issues from people visiting incarcerated loved ones; publishes an annual report (required by law) on complaints and resolutions; serves as the official bridge between families and IDOC.
The John Howard Association specifically wants to hear about families' experiences with this office (thejha.org/contact-us) because they use that feedback to monitor IDOC's accountability.
IDOC main contact form: available at idoc.illinois.gov.
IDOC general: (217) 558-2200.
Illinois Family Advocacy Organizations
CRIIC / Restore Justice Foundation
restorejustice.org
Contact: Julie Anderson, janderson@restorejustice.org
CRIIC (Communities and Relatives of Illinois Incarcerated Citizens) is the primary family advocacy organization in Illinois. It is part of the Restore Justice Foundation and is led by families of incarcerated people.
What CRIIC has won for Illinois families:
- Seven in-person visits per month per incarcerated person (vs. fewer before advocacy)
- Established the IDOC Family Liaison position
- Legislation requiring the Family Liaison to publish an annual report on complaints
- Confirmation that video visits do not replace or substitute for in-person visits
CRIIC meets monthly -- second Tuesday of each month -- at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, 1130 W. 51st Street, Chicago (lunch provided for in-person attendees). Zoom available.
CRIIC also runs:
- **Loved Ones Self-Advocacy Training series** (Zoom): teaches families how to navigate IDOC, advocate for their loved ones, and connect with others. Sessions recorded and available. Contact elewandowski@restorejustice.org.
- **Loved Ones Reunited (LOR)** support group for families whose loved ones have come home or are approaching release. Contact janderson@restorejustice.org.
Restore Justice's winter 2026 newsletter documents ongoing mail scanning opposition and legislative reform work.
John Howard Association of Illinois (JHA)
thejha.org
JHA has been independently monitoring Illinois prisons for over 120 years. They publish monitoring reports based on prison visits, surveys, and family testimony. They are the most reliable independent source for data on Illinois prison conditions.
What JHA does for families: publishes external resources page at thejha.org/external-resources with current family contact information and resources; monitors IDOC; advocates for reform; wants to hear about families' experiences with IDOC Constituent Services; publishes information on lockdown status and policy changes.
JHA confirmed their Prison Policy Initiative listing on July 16, 2025 -- they are currently active and responsive.
Illinois Prison Project
illinoisprisonproject.org
Free legal representation for incarcerated people in Illinois and advocacy at the Prisoner Review Board (PRB). Has a PRB Toolkit on their website useful for families navigating parole hearings.
Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers (CLAIM)
Provides legal and educational services to maintain the bond between imprisoned mothers and their children. Contact through illinoislegalaid.org directory.
ACLU of Illinois
aclu-il.org
Active prisoner rights work; participated in IDOC mail scanning rulemaking opposition; coordinates with CRIIC and JHA on criminal justice reform. Does not take individual grievance cases routinely.
Prisoner Rights Organizations Families Can Contact on Their Loved One's Behalf
Illinois Prison Project
illinoisprisonproject.org
Provides free legal representation for incarcerated people on parole hearings and criminal justice cases. The PRB Toolkit at their website is directly useful for families whose loved one is approaching a Prisoner Review Board hearing.
ACLU of Illinois
aclu-il.org
312-201-9740
Prisoner rights litigation and advocacy. For systemic conditions issues, documented abuse, or civil rights violations. Does not take individual complaints routinely.
Restore Justice Foundation / CRIIC
restorejustice.org | janderson@restorejustice.org
While primarily a family advocacy organization, Restore Justice coordinates with legal organizations and can advise on whether a situation warrants legal intervention. Their Loved Ones Self-Advocacy Training includes sessions on navigating IDOC's internal processes.
Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC)
humanrightsdefensecenter.org
Phone (for family members): 561-360-2523
HRDC has been directly engaged on Illinois mail scanning. They commented on the rulemaking process (4,221 total comments received). If the mail scanning implementation is causing problems -- wrongful blocking, excessive costs, data concerns -- HRDC is the organization that has been documenting it nationally.
Illinois Legal Aid Online
illinoislegalaid.org
Comprehensive free legal information for Illinois residents including a detailed guide to interacting with people in Illinois prisons. The guide (updated October 2025) covers R&C centers, the 30-day no-visit rule, VINE registration, mail rules, and the new mail scanning changes.
The Mail Scanning Change: What Families Need to Know
Effective September 30, 2025:
- Physical mail is scanned/photocopied by IDOC and delivered digitally through tablets or as printed copies
- Publications (books, magazines, newspapers) must be sent directly from the publisher to the incarcerated person
- Friends and family can no longer purchase publications and mail them to incarcerated loved ones
- Any publication with a postmark after September 30, 2025 sent by a friend or family member was returned to sender
What this means practically:
- Letters you write and mail will be scanned and delivered as a digital or printed copy; the original letter and envelope are not delivered
- Sending physical cards, drawings, or artwork -- confirm current status with IDOC; the rule scanned non-privileged mail, but what qualifies as "non-privileged" and how artwork is handled should be verified
- Legal mail is still privileged and handled separately; legal mail from attorneys still goes to the facility
The controversy continues: advocacy organizations including CRIIC, Restore Justice, and the ACLU opposed the emergency rule implementation, arguing it imposes costs on families, invades privacy, and was not a genuine emergency. Legislation was proposed to prohibit additional fees. Monitor the status at restorejustice.org.
How to File a Complaint on Your Loved One's Behalf
Step 1: Document everything specific
Date, facility, staff name if known, what happened. For mail issues: document what was sent, when, and what happened.
Step 2: IDOC Family Liaison
**217-558-2200 x6226 | DOC.Constituent.Services@illinois.gov**
This is the dedicated family complaint contact. 8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri. Required by law to track and publicly report on family/visitor complaints.
Step 3: Contact CRIIC / Restore Justice
janderson@restorejustice.org. They have worked with the Family Liaison and know when to escalate. They also want documentation of problems -- it feeds into their advocacy and monitoring work.
Step 4: Contact John Howard Association
thejha.org -- they specifically want to hear about experiences with IDOC Constituent Services, and they use that information in their independent monitoring work.
Step 5: Contact your Illinois state legislators
Find at ilga.gov. Illinois' legislature has been active on mail scanning, phone costs, and visitation rights. Constituent letters matter -- and the 4,221 comments on the mail scanning rulemaking showed that organized family voices move the needle.
Step 6: Federal escalation
For civil rights violations: U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division (justice.gov/crt). For federal facilities in Illinois: BOP North Central Region.
What families cannot compel: You cannot file an internal IDOC grievance for your loved one. You cannot override lockdown decisions or disciplinary actions. External organizations can advocate and litigate but cannot guarantee outcomes.
Staying Connected: The Practical Guide for Illinois Families
Phone
ICS Solutions is the Illinois IDOC phone vendor. The **Voices of Connection pilot** (launched November 2025) provides no-cost phone minutes at participating facilities. Verify current scope and facilities at idoc.illinois.gov.
For facilities not yet in the pilot: set up an account at ICSolutions.com. Post-FCC rate caps apply.
All calls are recorded except legal calls to attorneys.
Video visits
ICS Solutions (ICSolutions.com). All IDOC facilities (except ATCs) transitioned from GTL to ICS Solutions by June 10, 2025. Set up account at ICSolutions.com; enter your former GTL Visitor ID when registering to expedite approval.
Video visits are NOT interchangeable with in-person visits.
Mail (critical -- changed September 30, 2025)
Physical mail is scanned. Your original letter is not delivered. The incarcerated person receives a digital or printed copy. Publications must come directly from publishers. Confirm current detailed procedures at idoc.illinois.gov (navigate to Programs & Family Services).
Sending money
JPay for commissary deposits. Verify current options and fees at idoc.illinois.gov or the InmateAid Illinois send money page.
In-person visits
Up to 7 per month per incarcerated person. Must be scheduled in advance online. Check lockdown status at idoc.illinois.gov before traveling. Note: 30-day no-visit blackout at R&C centers for new arrivals.
VINE registration
Register at VINELink (vinelink.com) to receive transfer and parole notifications. Link also on each incarcerated person's IDOC page. Available to family members, not just crime victims.
Locating your loved one
IDOC Inmate Search: idoc.illinois.gov. IDOC number typically posted within 1-2 days of arrival at an R&C center.
InmateAid Illinois inmate search: [internal link]
Supporting Yourself While Supporting Them
Illinois has one of the most organized family advocacy communities in the series. CRIIC and Restore Justice won real, named, documented victories -- 7 visits per month, the Family Liaison, the annual report requirement. These were not handed to families; they were fought for and won. That history matters because it shows what sustained organized advocacy can do.
CRIIC's monthly meetings at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago -- second Tuesday, lunch provided -- are the most accessible peer community for Chicago-area families. Zoom is available for families elsewhere in the state.
JHA's External Resources page at thejha.org/external-resources is the most current maintained resource list for Illinois prison families. Check it.
The mail scanning fight is not over. Restore Justice, the ACLU of Illinois, and CRIIC are actively working on legislation to protect families from additional mail-related costs and to preserve meaningful physical communication. Follow updates at restorejustice.org.
Worth Rises (worthrises.org) is tracking costs associated with IDOC's ICS Solutions contract and the mail scanning vendor contract. If costs to families increase under either contract, Worth Rises is documenting it.
Frequently asked questions
What changed about Illinois prison mail in September 2025?
Effective September 30, 2025, Illinois IDOC began scanning all incoming non-privileged mail. Physical letters and cards are no longer delivered to incarcerated people; they receive a digital or printed copy. Publications must now be mailed directly from the publisher -- friends and family can no longer purchase and mail books, magazines, or newspapers. Legal mail from attorneys is still privileged and handled separately. 4,221 public comments opposed the change. Monitor the status of related legislation at restorejustice.org.
What is the 30-day no-visit rule in Illinois?
When a person first enters an Illinois R&C (Reception and Classification) center -- Northern Reception at Stateville for northern Illinois males, Graham or Menard for others, Logan for all females -- there are no visits for the first 30 days. After 30 days, limited visits, mail, and phone calls are allowed. The IDOC number is posted on the IDOC website within 1-2 days of arrival.
What is the IDOC Family Liaison?
A dedicated family-facing position within IDOC's Office of Constituent Services, established through CRIIC/Restore Justice advocacy and required by law. Natalie Mason is the current Family Liaison: 217-558-2200 x6226 | DOC.Constituent.Services@illinois.gov | 8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri. The Family Liaison is required by law to publish an annual report on family/visitor complaints and resolutions.
What is CRIIC?
Communities and Relatives of Illinois Incarcerated Citizens -- part of the Restore Justice Foundation (restorejustice.org). The primary family advocacy organization in Illinois. They meet monthly (second Tuesday) at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, 1130 W. 51st Street, Chicago (lunch provided; Zoom available). Contact: janderson@restorejustice.org. CRIIC won 7 in-person visits per month, established the Family Liaison, and confirmed that video visits do not replace in-person visits.
What is the Voices of Connection pilot program?
A no-cost phone call pilot program launched by IDOC in November 2025, championed by First Lady of Illinois MK Pritzker. Previously, incarcerated people spent approximately $6.20/month to call loved ones. The pilot provides free phone minutes to incarcerated people at participating facilities. Verify current scope and participating facilities at idoc.illinois.gov.
What is the VINE system and can families use it?
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) through VINELink (vinelink.com) is available to any registered user -- not only crime victims -- and notifies you when an incarcerated person moves or is approaching parole. A registration link is also available on each person's IDOC page at idoc.illinois.gov.
What is the John Howard Association?
An independent, 120-year-old prison monitoring organization in Illinois (thejha.org). They publish reports on prison conditions, maintain a comprehensive External Resources page for families, and want to hear about families' experiences with IDOC Constituent Services. They are the most reliable independent source for data on Illinois prison conditions. --- [SPEC NOTE: Series folder 1intOvghBAhj6-_YzDsYllOy4scUOeEGh. Internal CTAs: Illinois inmate search, send money to Illinois inmates, Illinois reentry resources, Staying Connected hub, how prison works hub. SOURCING: restorejustice.org/our-work/communities-relatives-of-illinois-incarcerated-citizens/ March 2024 (CRIIC organized address practice sentencing children die prison; family members loved ones incarcerated also directly affected; evolved include anyone loved one incarcerated regardless age sentencing; increased visitation rights major focus; wins increasing number in-person visits seven per month; making clear IDOC video visits not equivalent interchangeable in-person visits; established Family Liaison in IDOC; Family Liaison handles complaints issues people visiting loved ones incarcerated; legislation Family Liaison publish annual report complaints resolutions IDOC website; contact janderson@restorejustice.org); restorejustice.org summer 2025 newsletter (keeping updated letters helpful; loved ones contact Constituent Services questions concerns records calls emails; have loved ones join CRIIC Support Group Advocacy Team; Illinois Department Corrections Office Constituent Services 1301 Concordia Court P.O. Box 19277 Springfield IL 62794-9277 217-558-2200 x6226; PRB Toolkit Illinois Prison Project website illinoisprisonproject.org; CRIIC meetings second Tuesday Precious Blood Ministry Reconciliation Front Porch 1130 W 51st Street Chicago lunch provided; Loved Ones Reunited LOR newer support group contact janderson@restorejustice.org; six trainings 2024 navigate IDOC via Zoom sessions recorded contact elewandowski@restorejustice.org; August 20th 6-7:30PM via Zoom featured guest IDOC Family Liaison Raquel); restorejustice.org winter 2026 newsletter (Restore Justice coordinated other organizations oppose IDOC rules mail scanning; 10 year anniversary Executive Director Wendell Robinson formerly life without parole sentence received child; Credit for Change Coalition ACLU Illinois Cabrini Green Legal Aid Collective Liberation Coalition Cook County Public Defender FAMM Illinois Alliance Reentry Justice Illinois Prison Project Impact Equity Restore Justice Vera Institute Women's Justice Institute; SB prohibit IDOC vendors charging additional fees incarcerated loved ones send receive postal mail ensuring communication accessible affordable; HB 1241 judges discretion sentences younger 21 case by case); thejha.org/external-resources (contact Natalie Mason IDOC Family Liaison 217-558-2200 x6226 8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri DOC.Constituent.Services@illinois.gov; JHA interested hearing experience this office; visitation new rules scheduling visit advance online restrictions lockdowns check IDOC website call prison prior traveling; information IDOC Voices of Connection no-cost communication pilot program November 2025); illinoislegalaid.org October 2025 (every individual custody first goes Reception Classification RC Center processing; Stateville Graham Menard RC centers Illinois male prisoners northern counties Northern Reception Center part Stateville; Logan RC center all female prisoners; no visitation first 30 days RC; after that limited visits mail phone calls; IDOC number posted IDOC website within day or two arrival; IDOC Inmate Search search location; register VINELink available everyone link each prisoner's page IDOC website; starting September 30 2025 IDOC will scan or photocopy); idoc.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idoc/news/memostopopulation/9.26.25-Mail-Scanning-individuals-in-custody.pdf September 26 2025 (immediately all facilities begin scanning photocopying incoming non-privileged mail; September 30 publications intended particular individual only accepted through mail mailed directly publisher individual; any publications postmark after September 30 returned sender; 1301 Concordia Court P.O. Box 19277 Springfield IL 62794-9277 217-558-2200); illinois.gov October 31 2025 Voices Connection press release (approximately $6.20 per month call loved ones pilot program part IDOC broader effort provide reliable affordable communication tools technology; phone calls real-time conversations essential maintaining meaningful connections loved ones Director Latoya Hughes Voices Connections pilot ensuring individuals custody consistent access free phone minutes emotional well-being strengthen relationships promote rehabilitation; First Lady Illinois MK Pritzker office worked closely IDOC advance pilot provide free phone calls those custody; incarcerated individuals consistent meaningful access loved ones champion advocate; today significant development incarcerated individuals critical role maintaining family relationships children said First Lady; implementation highly commendable; building rollout phone dialer application ICSolutions tablets); wttw.com September 16 2025 (Joint Committee Administrative Rules objected IDOC emergency rule allowing facilities electronically scan mail; objection does not stop emergency rule; rule authorizes scan incoming mail electronically making digital copies providing recipients print or electronically; prohibits relatives friends soliciting purchasing publications behalf incarcerated; IDOC signed contract vendor mail scanning within weeks; AFSCME Council 31 union called mail scanning reducing flow harmful substances other illicit contraband state prisons; zero cost contract vendor makes revenue); idoc.illinois.gov APPENDIX A November 2025 (emergency rule August 2025 companion rule September 2025; multiple listening sessions internal external stakeholders Restore Justice Foundation John Howard Association ACLU; public hearing November 4 2025; solicited responses email US mail; surveyed individual in custody population; public comment period ended November 24 2025; 4,221 comments 576 general public 16 oral 560 written 3665 individuals in custody; ACLU provided comment cost associated mail scanning; Restore Justice commented mail scanning increase costs loved ones profiting telecommunication companies request confirmation costs covered Department not passed friends families; ACLU questions no-cost contract third-party potential sell user data); icscorrections.com/facilities/il_idoc.html June 2025 (IDOC transitioned phone service new vendor; IDOC transitioned video visitation service ICSolutions; ALL FACILITIES except ATCs transitioned ICSolutions updated 6/10/25; all IDOC facilities except ATCs transitioned video visitation GTL to ICSolutions; friends family register ICSolutions schedule video visits; registering ICSolutions account recommend entering GTL Visitor ID expedite approval); prisonpolicy.org Illinois (John Howard Association confirmed listing July 16 2025); idoc.illinois.gov main 217-558-2200; DOC.Constituent.Services@illinois.gov; thejha.org; illinoisprisonproject.org; aclu-il.org 312-201-9740; illinoislegalaid.org; 561-360-2523 HRDC; famm.org; worthrises.org; vinelink.com; ilga.gov; justice.gov/crt. NOTE for Poorwa: verify Natalie Mason still IDOC Family Liaison and 217-558-2200 x6226 DOC.Constituent.Services@illinois.gov current (Summer 2025 newsletter and JHA both confirm but verify as of publication); verify mail scanning status -- is it still in effect? Has any legislation passed to modify the September 30 2025 rule? Check restorejustice.org and idoc.illinois.gov; verify Voices of Connection pilot -- which facilities participate and what is current scope? idoc.illinois.gov; verify ICS Solutions still Illinois phone and video vendor (confirmed June 10 2025 for video; confirm phone still ICS Solutions); verify 7 in-person visits per month still current IDOC policy; verify 30-day no-visit rule at RC centers still current; verify VINE available to family members not just victims at vinelink.com; verify CRIIC still meets second Tuesday Precious Blood Ministry Reconciliation 1130 W 51st Street Chicago janderson@restorejustice.org; verify Illinois Prison Project illinoisprisonproject.org current PRB Toolkit; verify ACLU Illinois 312-201-9740 aclu-il.org current; verify idoc.illinois.gov inmate search current; verify JPay still Illinois commissary money vendor (verify at idoc.illinois.gov); verify IDOC main 217-558-2200 current; verify FCC rate caps apply to ICS Solutions Illinois; len/char check before publish.]
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