Sending an Inmate a Care Package

When your loved one is incarcerated, you may feel overwhelmed. He or she may call you from time to time. You can also send your loved one funds for upkeep in the correctional facility.  

But there’s one unique way to show your loved one that you care for them-sending them a care package. It is a meaningful way to show your support and let them know they’re not forgotten. 

We’ll cover the basics of sending a care package to an inmate in this handy guide. So, whether you’re sending a care package for the first time or have done it before, this guide is here to help you. Read on to learn more. 

What is a Care Package? 

Care packages are common in correctional facilities throughout the United States. The package contains goods an inmate enjoys. You can send a care package to a loved one to congratulate them on a special occasion or show appreciation for someone who has gone above and beyond. 

Before sending a care package to an incarcerated loved one, it’s good to understand the rules. 

Understanding the Rules and Regulations 

You cannot send a care package directly to an incarcerated loved one. Instead, use an authorized care package provider associated with the correctional facility your loved one is incarcerated. If you don’t use an authorized care package provider, it won’t be delivered.  

To know if a care package provider is approved, contact the correctional facility where your loved one is held. They’ll tell you which care providers they’ve approved for use.  

You should also know where your loved one is held before sending a care package. The rules and regulations for sending a care package vary from one correctional facility to another and from one jurisdiction to another.  

In many correctional facilities, you can only send your incarcerated loved one package per quarter. The items you put in a care package must meet the rules set.  

Care Package Service Vendors 

There are various ways of sending a care package to your incarcerated loved one. The best way is to coordinate with a third-party service provider.  

You can send a care package through these care package service providers: 

1. Access Securepak 

Access Securepak is one of the easiest ways to send a care package. It is available in correctional facilities across all 50 states in the United States.  

The website has many pre-made packages to choose from. The care packages include items like food, hygiene products, and clothing.  

First, find out whether the correctional facility your loved one is held partners with Access Securepak. Then, follow these steps.  

• Go to their website.  
• Then, enter your state.  
• Select a program 
• Create an account 
• Start shopping for the best care package to send your incarcerated loved one. 

You must pay for the shipment to take place. Items sent in a care package via Access Securepak aren’t scanned when they get to a correctional facility. That’s because Access Securepak follows strict guidelines set by the facilities in question.  

2. MyCarePack 

MyCarePack is another online care package service that delivers packages to correctional facilities.  

The steps to follow when sending a care package with MyCarePack are same as when using Access Securepak.  

• Go to the MyCarePack online site. 
• Enter the state and the correctional facility your loved one is held. 
• Choose the items you want to include in the care package. 
• After selecting the items you want, enter the inmate’s data. This way, the care package will get to your loved one easily. 

MyCarePack handles the packaging and shipping of your care package to your loved one in a correctional facility. It’s convenient and hassle-free.  

Note that every correctional facility may have restrictions on the items you can include in a care package. So, check with the correctional facility before placing your order. 

3. JPay Care Packages for Inmates 

JPay specializes in technology and communication services to inmates in correctional facilities across the United States. The company also offers various pre-approved care packages that you can order online and send them directly to your incarcerated loved one.  

JPay Care Packages don’t include physical care packages. Instead, they give family members and friends a means of connecting with their incarcerated loved one. In simple terms, they support their loved ones electronically.  

There are kiosks set up in many correctional facilities. Here, inmates can log in and send emails to their families and friends. Besides, they can send videograms, and view photos. Through these JPay kiosks, inmates can also conduct “video visitation.” 

In a video visitation, the inmates video chat with their families and friends for 30 minutes. These family members may not be in a position to visit them in the correctional facility.  

Items You Can Send Your Incarcerated Loved In a Care Package 

Now that you know the various ways to send a care package to your incarcerated loved one, here are several items you can include in your care package. 

1. Photos 

Photos can help your incarcerated loved one feel connected to you. It also connects your loved one to the outside world and reminds them of the people and experiences they cherish. Include photos of family and friends, special occasions, and places you have visited together. 

If you send photos, your loved one will still know what goes on in the outside world. There are several rules to follow when sending photos in a care package.  

• The largest photo you can send should be 4 × 6 inches. 
• Write the inmate’s name and DOC number at the back of the photo. 
• Check with the correctional facility on the number of photos you can include in a care package. 

2. Commissary Money 

Commissary money helps your incarcerated loved one in many ways. Most inmates use these funds to buy food, toiletries, writing supplies, and other personal care items.  

Besides, it gives them a sense of independence and control over their lives within the confines of the prison system. 

3. Celebratory Cards 

A card is a powerful way to connect to your loved one in a correctional facility. Celebratory cards are inexpensive items that have a deeper meaning to your incarcerated loved one.  

Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or any other special occasion, sending a celebratory card to your loved one can make a huge difference in their day.   

Before buying a celebratory card, check with the correctional facility to see what types of cards are permitted. Some correctional facilities don’t allow celebratory cards that glitter, pop-up features, many layers or other decorative elements. 

Also, remember that many correctional facilities don’t allow singing cards.  

Take the time to write a personal message and let your incarcerated loved one know how much they mean to you. It may seem like a small gesture, but receiving a card can bring joy and comfort to your loved one.  

4. Greeting Cards 

Greeting cards also maintain a connection and build a positive relationship between you and your incarcerated loved one.  

However, they must pass through the prison staff. If it’s inappropriate, it won’t get to your loved one. The prison staff disposes of such greeting cards. Always check with the correctional facility before buying a greeting card to send to your loved one. 

5. Tablets 

Tablets can be an excellent source of entertainment, education, and communication for inmates serving time in prison. These days, many correctional facilities allow tablets. They must be pre-approved and bought through authorized vendors. 

Technology companies such as G.T.L and JPay have also made inmate-specific tablets that you can buy for your loved one in prison.  

6. Eye Glasses and Hearing Aids 

Visually-impaired and deaf inmates have a constitutional right to visual and hearing aids.  

You can support your loved one by buying them visual or hearing aids. So, include extra eyeglasses or hearing aids in their care package.  

Check with the correctional facility to ensure that these items are allowed. Besides, follow any necessary guidelines when sending them in a care package.  

7. Headphones 

Inmates with tablets must use headphones. This way, they won’t disturb other inmates in their rooms. So, if your incarcerated loved one has a tablet, consider including headphones in their care package.  

A pair of headphones helps them relax and pass the time more comfortably. They can use them to listen to music, audiobooks, or even educational materials without disturbance. 

8. Orthotics 

Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts. If your incarcerated loved one suffers from foot issues, ensure you include a pair of orthotics in their care package. A suitable pair of orthotics can make standing or walking for long periods more comfortable. 

An excellent example of orthotics includes walking casts. But before they get to your loved one, the correctional staff must check if there’s anything else hidden in them. 

9. Books, Magazines, and Newspapers 

Remember to include reading materials in your loved one’s care package. It’s an excellent way for your loved one to spend time in a correctional facility. Reading materials keep their mind occupied and improve their reading skills.  

Besides, consider your loved one’s interests and hobbies when choosing reading materials. This way, you’ll make the care package more personal and enjoyable for them.  

Books should have a soft cover-many correctional facilities don’t allow hard-covered books. Also, find books and magazines that can help rehabilitate your incarcerated loved one.  

10. Letters and Messages 

A letter (physical mail) from family and friends can provide a sense of comfort and support to an inmate.  

Before you send a care package with a letter, check the correctional facility’s rules and limitations. Many correctional facilities don’t allow decorated letters. The letter should also not have staples.  

In the letter, you can write about daily life updates, upcoming events, and anything that may uplift your loved one’s spirits. You can also include funny jokes and encouraging quotes in the letter.  

Items you Cannot Send in a Care Package to an Inmate (Contraband) 

Now you know the stuff you can send to an inmate in a care package. There are several items correctional facilities don’t allow in a care package. Some of the common ones include: 

• Any item an inmate can use as a weapon 
• Items that can lead to violence in a correctional facility 
• Any item that can help an inmate run away from a correctional facility 
• Any stuff connected to tobacco, drug, or alcohol 
• Any item that may be sexual  
• Hardcover books 
• Razors 
• Pens 
• Jewelry 

Every correctional facility has a list of items they don’t accept in a care package, but list is universal in most correctional facilities in the United States. 

Don’t forget that the correctional facility staff must open your care package and inspect the contents before your incarcerated loved one gets them. If they find something prohibited, it’s confiscated.  

Conclusion 

At first, sending a care package to your incarcerated loved one may appear challenging. You must consider many factors when putting together the perfect care package for your loved one.  

As you get to the end of this handy guide, you’ll find that sending a care package to your loved one in prison is a breeze. Always follow the rules and guidelines set by the correctional facility. Sending prohibited items can make the care package to get confiscated. 

When selecting items to include in the care package, consider the inmate’s specific needs and interests. With a bit of research and careful consideration, sending a care package becomes a thoughtful gesture that brightens your loved one’s day.