Schema: Article + FAQPage
Internal links (5): Maine inmate search, send money to Maine inmates, Maine 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 Maine | InmateAid
Maine abolished parole in 1976. That means the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (MPAC) -- the primary advocacy organization for Maine families -- is currently pushing to reinstate it. In January 2025, MPAC advocates presented the case for parole reinstatement at the University of Maine at Farmington. The people serving determinate sentences with no parole board review are serving every day of their time with no mechanism for early release based on rehabilitation. For families counting down to a release date, this structure is hard. There is no hearing to prepare for. There is no board to advocate to. There is just the sentence.
MPAC's coalition includes Maine prisoners, their families and friends, and community advocates. If you are a Maine family navigating a DOC sentence, MPAC is the starting point.
Maine's prison system is small -- approximately 2,000-2,500 people in state facilities -- one of the smallest state prison populations in the country. The facilities are concentrated in southern and midcoast Maine, most within two hours of Portland.
On communications: Maine has a mixed communication picture. In 2022, Maine deployed Ameelio (free calls, video, and messaging) in two facilities -- Maine Correctional Center (MCC) and Southern Maine Women's Reentry Center -- with plans to expand. But the MCC's own mail and visitation page shows **ViaPath (GettingOut)** as the current video visitation provider. Confirm current phone and messaging vendor at your loved one's specific facility through maine.gov/corrections before setting up any account.
Maine DOC main: through maine.gov/corrections.
Maine Correctional Center: 207-893-7000 | MCC.VisitOffice@maine.gov
What Families Are Facing in Maine
Maine DOC state facilities:
- **Maine State Prison (MSP)** -- Warren, Knox County (midcoast Maine; about 75 miles northeast of Portland); Maine's main maximum-security facility
- **Maine Correctional Center (MCC)** -- 17 Mallison Falls Rd, Windham, Cumberland County (near Portland; most accessible facility); 207-893-7000
- **Bolduc Correctional Facility** -- Warren, Knox County (near Maine State Prison; minimum security)
- **Downeast Correctional Facility (DCF)** -- Machiasport, Washington County (far eastern Maine -- remote)
- **Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center** -- Belfast, Waldo County (midcoast)
- **Southern Maine Women's Reentry Center** -- Portland area
Downeast Correctional in Machiasport is the most remote facility -- Washington County is Maine's easternmost county, roughly 4 hours from Portland and 2+ hours from Bangor. Families with loved ones at DCF face the longest drives.
Maine abolished parole in 1976. People serve determinate sentences. There is no parole board, no early release hearing, no mechanism for getting out before the end of the sentence based on rehabilitation. MPAC is actively working to change this.
On communications: Maine's state facilities use different systems. Maine Correctional Center uses ViaPath (GettingOut) for video visits. Ameelio was deployed at MCC and the Women's Reentry Center in 2022; the current status of Ameelio versus ViaPath at each facility needs to be confirmed through maine.gov/corrections or by calling the facility directly.
For county jails (where people awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences are held): many Maine county jails use Securus, though each jail contracts separately. Confirm with the specific jail.
On mail: Maine DOC has not announced a system-wide digital mail scanning transition. Physical mail to facility addresses is standard. Confirm current mail address and policies through maine.gov/corrections.
Your Rights as a Family Member in Maine
Visitation rights
Visiting at Maine DOC facilities is by **appointment only**. Only visitors on the resident's approved visiting list are permitted. All adult visitors must present a valid state or federally issued photo ID. Arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled visit to complete check-in and screening.
At MCC specifically: staff begin admitting visitors 15 minutes before the start time. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. For visit questions: MCC.VisitOffice@maine.gov.
Visits can be suspended during lockdowns, disciplinary situations, or emergencies without advance notice.
For Maine State Prison mail and visitation policies: maine.gov/corrections/msp/mail_visitation.
Communication rights
Your loved one must add your number to their approved contact list. The phone and messaging vendor varies by facility. For Maine Correctional Center: ViaPath/GettingOut is the current video visitation provider. Schedule video visits through gettingout.com (facility code: ME_DOC Maine Correctional Center or ME_DOC Women's Reentry Center).
Contact MCC.VisitOffice@maine.gov for current video visit questions.
All calls are monitored and recorded except legal calls to attorneys.
Post-FCC rate caps (April 2026) apply to interstate calls.
Notification rights
Maine DOC is not required to notify family of transfers. Use the Maine DOC inmate search at maine.gov/corrections to track current location. Maine DOC notifies next of kin for serious medical emergencies and deaths -- your loved one must have designated you in their records.
Grievance rights
Internal Maine DOC grievances must be filed by the incarcerated person. Family members cannot file internal grievances.
External pathways for families:
- Maine DOC: maine.gov/corrections
- Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (MPAC): maineprisoneradvocacy.org
- ACLU of Maine: aclumaine.org -- for civil rights violations
- Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC): mhrc.maine.gov -- if your loved one experienced discrimination
- Maine Board of Visitors: MPAC advocates for its strengthened oversight role
- Your Maine state legislators at legislature.maine.gov
Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (MPAC): The Primary Family Organization
Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (MPAC)
maineprisoneradvocacy.org
PO Box 446, Lisbon, ME 04250
MPAC is the organization in Maine that is made up of incarcerated people, their families, and advocates. It is the most organized family-facing advocacy presence in Maine's prison system.
What MPAC does:
- **Advocates for parole reinstatement** -- Maine has had no parole since 1976; MPAC presented the case for reinstatement in 2025 and is actively pushing legislation
- **Solitary confinement advocacy** -- fights inhumane conditions including solitary confinement in Maine facilities
- **Reentry services** -- connects people leaving incarceration with housing, ID documents, healthcare, and community support; maintains a statewide reentry network
- **Board of Visitors oversight** -- works to strengthen the Maine Board of Visitors, which inspects DOC facilities
- **Legislative advocacy** -- testifies at the Maine Legislature on criminal justice bills; opposed mandatory minimums (LD 332) and other punitive measures in 2025
- **Direct resources** -- publishes a pathways to release guide (collaboration with Freedom & Captivity and the Justice Collective); maintains a resource page at maineprisoneradvocacy.org/prisoners-families/resources
MPAC's blog has regular posts from 2025 including resources for families on the Maine Human Rights Commission, reentry support, and current advocacy campaigns.
What MPAC cites as the most important statistic: 20% of Maine's population has been impacted by the criminal justice system.
Contact MPAC at maineprisoneradvocacy.org or by mail at PO Box 446, Lisbon, ME 04250.
If you are a Maine family and do not know where to start: start with MPAC.
Maine Family and Advocacy Organizations
ACLU of Maine
aclumaine.org
P.O. Box 7860, Portland, ME 04112
Phone: 207-774-5444
The ACLU of Maine handles civil rights cases including prisoner rights. They monitor DOC conditions, advocate on criminal justice reform, and litigate when necessary. They do not take individual grievance cases routinely. Contact them when the issue involves a pattern of rights violations, unconstitutional conditions, or documented abuse.
Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC)
mhrc.maine.gov
Phone: 207-624-6290
MPAC specifically names the MHRC as a resource for incarcerated people in Maine who believe they have experienced unlawful discrimination. If your loved one was discriminated against on the basis of race, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other protected class while incarcerated, the MHRC may be able to investigate. Families can contact MHRC on their loved one's behalf to ask about the complaint process.
Freedom & Captivity
Partner organization in MPAC's pathways to release guide. Engaged in Maine criminal justice advocacy. Contact through MPAC or search for current website.
Justice Collective
Another MPAC partner; engaged in Maine criminal justice reform. Contact through MPAC.
Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)
famm.org
National network including Maine families. For families with loved ones serving excessive mandatory sentences.
Prisoner Rights Organizations Families Can Contact on Their Loved One's Behalf
ACLU of Maine
aclumaine.org | 207-774-5444
Primary prisoner rights legal organization in Maine. For systemic conditions issues, constitutional violations, or documented abuse. Does not take individual grievance cases routinely.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance
pinetreelegal.org
Phone: 207-774-8211 (Portland)
Pine Tree Legal Assistance provides free civil legal services to low-income Mainers. While not a prisoner rights litigator, they can assist with civil matters related to incarceration -- family law, housing, benefits -- and may provide referrals to appropriate legal resources.
Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC)
mhrc.maine.gov | 207-624-6290
As described above. For discrimination complaints.
Human Rights Defense Center (HRDC)
humanrightsdefensecenter.org
Phone (for family members): 561-360-2523
HRDC advocates on phone costs, publications access, and free speech in prison communications. If your loved one's communications are being improperly restricted or if costs are excessive, HRDC can advise.
The Parole Question: What Maine Families Need to Know
Maine abolished parole in 1976. If your loved one received a sentence in Maine, they will serve that sentence to the end. There is no parole board, no early release hearing, no mechanism for getting out before the end of the term based on rehabilitation, good behavior, or changed circumstances -- other than commutation by the Governor.
**What this means for families:**
- The release date is fixed. Planning around that date -- employment, housing, family preparation -- begins from the sentence date.
- There is no parole board to advocate to, no hearing to prepare for, no commission to write to on your loved one's behalf.
- If your loved one received a disproportionate or unjust sentence, the primary legal remedy is postconviction proceedings or a petition for executive clemency (commutation by the Governor).
**MPAC's current work**: As of 2025, MPAC advocates Nicole Lund and Jan Collins have been presenting the case for reinstating parole at public events including at the University of Maine at Farmington. MPAC is lobbying the Maine Legislature for parole reinstatement. If you want to support this effort -- which would create an early release mechanism for Maine's incarcerated people -- contact MPAC.
**Executive clemency in Maine**: The Governor has the power to commute sentences. For information on Maine's clemency process: maine.gov/corrections or consult Pine Tree Legal Assistance or the ACLU of Maine.
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 discrimination: document the specific protected class involved and the treatment received.
Step 2: Maine DOC facility administration
Contact the facility Warden's office for issues resolvable at the facility level. Facility contacts at maine.gov/corrections.
Step 3: Maine DOC central office
Through maine.gov/corrections for issues not resolved at the facility level.
Step 4: Maine Human Rights Commission
mhrc.maine.gov | 207-624-6290. If the issue involves discrimination on the basis of a protected class, MHRC may be able to investigate. MPAC specifically directs Maine families here.
Step 5: Contact your Maine state legislators
State senator and state representative at legislature.maine.gov. Maine's legislature has been active on criminal justice issues -- MPAC regularly testifies there. Constituent contact matters.
Step 6: Contact advocacy organizations
MPAC (maineprisoneradvocacy.org), ACLU of Maine (207-774-5444) for guidance.
Step 7: Federal escalation
For civil rights violations: U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division (justice.gov/crt). For federal facilities in Maine: BOP Northeast Region.
What families cannot compel: You cannot file an internal DOC grievance for your loved one. You cannot override facility decisions on visitation or security. External organizations can advocate and investigate but cannot guarantee outcomes.
Staying Connected: The Practical Guide for Maine Families
Phone and communications
**Confirm the current vendor at your loved one's specific facility before setting up any account.**
Maine's state facilities have used a mix of systems:
- **ViaPath (GettingOut)**: confirmed for video visitation at Maine Correctional Center (MCC). Schedule through gettingout.com; facility code: ME_DOC Maine Correctional Center.
- **Ameelio**: deployed at MCC and Southern Maine Women's Reentry Center in 2022 for free calls, video, and messaging; verify whether Ameelio is still in use alongside or instead of ViaPath.
- **County jails**: Securus is common for Maine county jails; each jail contracts separately. Confirm with the specific jail.
For MCC video visit questions: MCC.VisitOffice@maine.gov | 207-893-7000.
Post-FCC rate caps (April 2026) apply to interstate calls.
In-person visits
By appointment only at all Maine DOC state facilities. Approved visitor list required. Government-issued photo ID required. Arrive 15-30 minutes early.
MCC: visitors admitted 15 minutes before start time; late arrivals may not be accommodated.
For Maine State Prison mail and visitation: maine.gov/corrections/msp/mail_visitation.
Physical mail to facility address. Confirm current mail address and policies at maine.gov/corrections or by calling the facility.
Sending money
Confirm current deposit options through maine.gov/corrections or the facility directly.
Locating your loved one
Maine DOC Inmate Search: maine.gov/corrections
InmateAid Maine inmate search: [internal link]
Supporting Yourself While Supporting Them
Maine's prison system is small compared to most states in this series, but small does not mean easy. The abolition of parole in 1976 means families carry the full weight of a determinate sentence with no mechanism for early release. MPAC is fighting to change that. If you want to be part of that fight, contact them.
MPAC's resources page at maineprisoneradvocacy.org/prisoners-families/resources is the most current consolidated resource list for Maine prison families. The pathways to release guide they published (with Freedom & Captivity and the Justice Collective) is worth downloading.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance (pinetreelegal.org; 207-774-8211) is Maine's primary free civil legal services organization for low-income residents. For civil matters arising from incarceration, they are the practical first contact.
Worth Rises (worthrises.org) tracks ViaPath/GettingOut and other communication vendor costs nationally. Maine's mixed communication picture -- with ViaPath and potentially Ameelio at different facilities -- means vendor costs and practices may vary significantly.
Dial **211** for community resource referrals in your area of Maine.
Frequently asked questions
Did Maine abolish parole?
Yes. Maine abolished parole in 1976. People sentenced under Maine law serve determinate sentences with no parole board, no early release hearing, and no mechanism for release before the end of the term based on rehabilitation. The primary exceptions are Governor's commutation (executive clemency) and successful postconviction proceedings. The Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (MPAC) is actively advocating for parole reinstatement as of 2025.
What is MPAC?
The Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (maineprisoneradvocacy.org; PO Box 446, Lisbon, ME 04250) is made up of Maine prisoners, their families and friends, and advocates. They fight for parole reinstatement, humane conditions, reduced use of solitary confinement, reentry support, and strengthened oversight of Maine correctional facilities. Their resources page at maineprisoneradvocacy.org/prisoners-families/resources is the starting point for Maine prison families.
What communication system does Maine DOC use?
Maine's facilities use different systems. Maine Correctional Center uses ViaPath (GettingOut) for video visits -- schedule at gettingout.com using facility code ME_DOC Maine Correctional Center. Ameelio (free calls/video/messaging) was deployed at MCC and the Southern Maine Women's Reentry Center in 2022. Confirm the current vendor and system at your loved one's specific facility through maine.gov/corrections or by contacting the facility directly before setting up any account.
How do I visit someone at Maine Correctional Center?
Visiting at MCC is by appointment only and requires being on the resident's approved visitor list. Video visits are scheduled through gettingout.com (ViaPath). For visit questions: MCC.VisitOffice@maine.gov or 207-893-7000. Arrive 15-30 minutes early; staff begin admitting visitors 15 minutes before the start time; late arrivals may not be accommodated.
What is the Maine Human Rights Commission and can it help my family?
The Maine Human Rights Commission (mhrc.maine.gov; 207-624-6290) investigates unlawful discrimination complaints. MPAC specifically directs Maine families there if a loved one has experienced discrimination on the basis of a protected class (race, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, etc.) while incarcerated. Families can contact MHRC to ask about the complaint process.
What is Downeast Correctional Facility and why is it so remote?
Downeast Correctional Facility (DCF) is located in Machiasport, Washington County -- Maine's easternmost county, roughly 4 hours from Portland. It is the most geographically isolated of Maine's state facilities. For families in the Portland or Augusta area with a loved one at DCF, the drive is a significant barrier. Phone and video contact are particularly important for DCF families.
Can I petition for my loved one's early release in Maine?
Since Maine has no parole, the only mechanisms for early release are: (1) successful postconviction legal proceedings challenging the conviction or sentence, and (2) executive clemency (commutation of sentence by the Governor). For information on the clemency process: maine.gov or consult Pine Tree Legal Assistance (207-774-8211) or the ACLU of Maine (207-774-5444). --- [SPEC NOTE: Series folder 1intOvghBAhj6-_YzDsYllOy4scUOeEGh. Internal CTAs: Maine inmate search, send money to Maine inmates, Maine reentry resources, Staying Connected hub, how prison works hub. SOURCING: maineprisoneradvocacy.org (MPAC Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition comprised Maine prisoners friends families others committed humane changes Maine prison system; focus solitary confinement inhumane conditions reentry services; mission support advocate Maine's incarcerated citizens families friends; purpose reduce Maine's use incarceration advocating criminal justice system ethical humane restorative; vision restorative justice system supports humanity every person reflects creates transformation accountability; 20% Maine population impacted criminal justice system; PO Box 446 Lisbon Maine 04250; advocates for parole reinstatement board of visitors oversight solitary confinement reentry; MPAC works advance laws support second chances strengthens oversight prisons jails including Maine's Board of Visitors; working MaineCare exemption pending federal approval restore healthcare coverage 90 days prior release; donate check Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition PO Box 446 Lisbon Maine 04250); maineprisoneradvocacy.org/all-resources February 2025 (Maine Human Rights Commission MHRC may help if loved one incarcerated Maine believes experienced unlawful discrimination; stand firm dedication advocacy support; Nicole Lund Jan Collins case reinstating parole Maine University Maine Farmington Emery Community Arts Center; Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center MCRRC Belfast Maine; ReEntry Network phases assist people exiting incarceration statewide level); maineprisoneradvocacy.org/prisoners-families/resources (resource guide incarcerated individuals seeking pathways release prison Maine collaboration MPAC Freedom Captivity Justice Collective; Brandon Brown Jeff Evangelos Matt Matheny; Maine Human Rights Commission MHRC; video how to get identification documents after incarcerated; Restorative Justice Project Midcoast mentoring adult juvenile offenders Knox Waldo Counties Washington Sagadahoc Lincoln Hancock Maine Coast Regional Reentry Center); prisonactivist.org (Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition comprised Maine prisoners friends families others committed humane changes Maine prison system; focus solitary confinement inhumane conditions reentry services); maine.gov/corrections/mcc/mail_visitation (visiting resident appointment only regardless age; only visitors approved visiting list permitted; visitors must arrive by start time; Schedule Video Visit through ViaPath new Video Visitation service provider; no visits various dates noted February March 2026; arrive lobby 15-30 minutes prior scheduled visit complete check-in screening; staff begin admitting visitors 15 minutes prior start time ensure residents visitors enjoy full time; unable accommodate arriving after visitors admitted; Zoom Visits Maine Correctional Center ending effective end visits Saturday May 20 2023; residents sign kiosks visitors check gettingout.com facility ME_DOC Maine Correctional Center or ME_DOC Women's Reentry Center; contact MCC.VisitOffice@maine.gov questions; adult visitors required produce valid State Federally issued picture ID); maine.gov/corrections/msp/mail_visitation (professional visit attorney private investigator legal advocacy organization DOC staff from outside facility staff another state agency federal agency law enforcement staff recognized community treatment program clergy; no professional scheduled without approval Chief Administrative Officer may require verification professional capacity); ameelio.org Maine 2022 (Maine deployed Ameelio entire communication suite video calling electronic messaging voice calls two facilities Maine Correctional Center Southern Maine Women's Reentry Center; excited launch Ameelio Connect remaining four facilities; loved ones now able communicate any incarcerated person Maine completely free charge; correctional staff manage visitation requests monitor calls access recordings; Maine leading way revolutionizing correctional education vocational training; DOC interested Ameelio virtual education job training platform post-secondary education vocational training certifications CBT); maineprisons.org/inmate-visitation October 2025 (MDOC lists ViaPath GTL for Maine Correctional Center units; counties contract separately Securus or other vendors; always confirm current platform fees with facility; many Maine facilities remote or on-site video visits; common prices around $20 for 20 minutes counties set final rates); maineprisons.org/phone-calls October 2025 (Maine inmate calling systems secure monitored networks record most calls safety; attorney client calls exception privileged; state prisons county jails city holding facilities juvenile centers use different vendors; many county jails Maine partner Securus Technologies; each jail chooses own provider rates access rules; families should confirm correct vendor jail website inmate handbook before creating account); penmateapp.com Maine Correctional Center July 2025 (Maine Correctional Center 17 Mallison Falls Rd Windham ME 04062 207-893-7000; Securus JPay Smart Jail Mail messaging options; video visits Securus Video Connect GTL ICSolutions; visiting hours vary housing unit security level); pinetreelegal.org 207-774-8211 Pine Tree Legal Assistance; aclumaine.org P.O. Box 7860 Portland ME 04112 207-774-5444; mhrc.maine.gov 207-624-6290 Maine Human Rights Commission; famm.org; worthrises.org; humanrightsdefensecenter.org 561-360-2523; maine.gov/corrections; legislature.maine.gov; justice.gov/crt; 211 Maine; gettingout.com ME_DOC. NOTE for Poorwa: CRITICAL -- verify current communication system at each Maine DOC facility: MCC mail/visitation page shows ViaPath GettingOut as video provider (gettingout.com ME_DOC) but Ameelio.org says Maine deployed Ameelio in 2022 for free calls at MCC and Women's Reentry Center -- determine whether Ameelio is currently active for voice calls and whether ViaPath/GettingOut is the current video platform; confirm through MCC.VisitOffice@maine.gov or 207-893-7000; verify Maine abolished parole 1976 still accurate -- no parole reinstatement has passed yet (MPAC still advocating 2025); verify Maine State Prison current phone vendor through maine.gov/corrections/msp; verify Downeast Correctional Facility DCF Machiasport still operating; verify MPAC maineprisoneradvocacy.org current and PO Box 446 Lisbon ME 04250 current; verify ACLU Maine 207-774-5444 aclumaine.org current; verify Pine Tree Legal Assistance 207-774-8211 pinetreelegal.org current; verify MHRC 207-624-6290 mhrc.maine.gov current; verify Maine DOC inmate search at maine.gov/corrections current; verify county jails use Securus confirm with specific jail; verify FCC rate caps apply to Maine facilities; verify Maine DOC mail policy -- no digital scanning at state prisons?; len/char check before publish.]