12 Ways of Supporting Your Family and Friends in Correctional Facilities
When a loved one is incarcerated, it can be an emotionally challenging experience for the person in prison as well as their family and friends. The inmate will feel the pain of separating from their loved ones for a certain period.
There are many ways you can support and care for your loved one in a correctional facility. These include writing letters, making phone calls, visiting them, and many more.
In this article, we’ll explore the ways you can provide emotional and financial support to loved ones in prison.
Ways of Supporting Your Family and Friends in Prison
1. Write a Letter to your Loved Once in Prison
A letter is the most common way to support your loved one in prison. It gives them a powerful connection to the outside world and reminds them they’re not forgotten.
If the call rates in your country are high or your loved one cannot communicate via phone, write them a letter. Before sending the letter, visit the correctional facility’s website and learn the rules of sending letters.
In your letter, you can give words of encouragement or share news from home. Remember that communication may be limited. So, the best thing is to keep letters positive. Don’t discuss topics that could cause stress or anxiety.
By writing letters often, you can help your loved one feel supported and connected during their time in prison.
2. Financial Support
One of the most helpful ways to support a loved one in prison is helping them financially. Usually, inmates have limited access to funds. They may struggle to buy necessities or communicate with their families and even attorneys. That means they must buy a pen, stamp, and envelope to facilitate this.
If you support your loved one financially, you can help alleviate some of these challenges and improve their quality of life in a correctional facility. Send them money for commissary purchases, phone, and video calls. The funds can also support their legal fees if need be.
But establish clear boundaries and expectations around financial support. This way, you’ll ensure it’s sustainable for both parties.
3. Visit your Loved One in a Correctional Facility
Your loved one in a correctional facility feels loved when you visit them in person. You can ask other family members to accompany you for the visitation. Most people fear visiting inmates. But, if you have an incarcerated loved one, face your fear.
Visit them as this makes them feel connected to their family and the outside world. It also reminds them that they are not alone.
But first, know the correctional facility’s rules and regulations regarding visitation. That includes knowing the visiting days and hours, dress code, and items you can carry and those you cannot take to a correctional facility.
Be ready to pass through security checks with metal detectors. During the visitation, adhere to prison rules and guidelines and be respectful to the staff.
Your loved one will appreciate the time and effort in visiting them. The visitation will also strengthen your bond with them.
4. Visit your Loved One’s Friends at the Facility
When your loved one is incarcerated, they make friends with fellow inmates in the facility. As you visit your loved one in a correctional facility, they may have a friend they may also want you to visit in the same prison.
Some inmates don’t get visitation from their families and friends. Your visits may comfort and support them. Through these visits, they may also ask you to help them find their family members. Be close to them such that they’ll open up to you about their situation.
But, as you do it, respect their privacy and boundaries about sharing information about their situation.
5. Share Jokes with your Loved One
When you visit your loved one or when they call you, find moments of joy and involve them. Sharing jokes is an excellent way to bring some laughter and levity into your loved one’s incarceration life. Share jokes, even if for a moment. It’s one of the best ways to stay connected.
Laughter lessens stress and anxiety. However, be mindful of the type of humor you share. The jokes should be appropriate in this setting. Besides, keep it light and respectful. Focus more on bringing a smile to your loved one’s face.
6. Support Them in Their Legal Battle
You can also support your incarcerated loved one by helping them with their legal battle. It can involve researching and providing information about legal procedures. You can also help them find a lawyer or legal aid.
If your loved one has already been convicted, their lawyers can appeal. The lawyers can also pursue parole to get them out of prison as soon as possible. You can contact their lawyer and ask what help they need from you concerning your loved one’s case.
You can also provide crucial information about your incarcerated loved one to their lawyer. It can help to defend their case during an appeal. Besides, encourage your loved one to stay informed and involved in their case.
That includes attending court hearings and staying in communication with their lawyer. You can help them navigate the complex legal system by providing legal support. It also increases their chances of a successful outcome in their case.
7. Answer your Loved One’s Phone Calls
Usually, a phone call is one of the best ways for inmates to communicate with the outside world.
When your incarcerated loved one calls you, you can accept reverse charges or not. Taking their calls can make a huge difference in their emotional well-being. It shows that you care and that they are not alone.
When answering their calls, be present and listen to what they say. Don’t panic; encourage them, and let them know that you’re there for them. Even if you can’t get them out of the correctional facility, giving them a listening ear make a huge difference.
8. Take Care of Yourself
Your loved one got arrested, was charged in a court of law, and was convicted. He/she is now serving their sentence in a correctional facility. All these processes hurt you. Your loved being in prison is overwhelming.
What you feel about all these experiences is usual, but you have to take care of yourself.
Prioritize activities that make you happy. It can be exercise, meditation, or spending time with other supportive friends and family. You can also seek professional support such as therapy or counseling if need be.
If you take care of yourself first, you’ll be in a position to support your incarcerated loved one.
9. Send your Loved One Books, Magazines, and Newspapers
Inmates have so much time in their hands. Books, magazines, and newspapers can help them pass time at the facility. Reading expands their knowledge and imagination. It is also a source of entertainment.
Before sending these reading materials, it’s good to ask the correctional facility what is permitted. Correctional facilities have specific rules and guidelines regarding the kind of materials to give an inmate.
Another factor to consider is the personal interests and preferences of your loved one when choosing reading materials. Ask them what types of books or magazines they would like to receive. Many inmates enjoy reading magazines rather than books. Magazines are visually appealing.
10. Tell your Loved One about Yourself
Besides asking your incarcerated loved one about themselves, they would also love to know about you. Tell them how you’re doing. Talk about school, dating life, your job, and many more.
You can get caught up in their situation easily and forget to share about your life. But remember that telling them what is happening in your life gives them a glimpse into the world outside the prison walls. It is an excellent way of making them feel comfortable talking to you. They won’t feel like you’re interrogating them.
Hearing about your experiences and daily life gives them something to look forward to once released from prison. Sharing about your life also helps them feel a part of your life and more connected to you.
11. Communicate Positive Messages
Inmates usually experience self-doubts because being convicted is an overwhelming experience. It can make them question their self-worth and value to others. Sharing positive messages will impact their mental and emotional well-being.
So, take your time to visit and remind them their worth. Give them one a word of encouragement. It keeps them motivated during their incarceration. Besides, you can remind them of their strengths, accomplishments, and potential for the future.
Share positive news and updates about their family and friends. Let them know they’re loved and missed. Make them know they can turn their life around and make a positive change once released.
Communicating positive messages will help your loved one have a positive attitude when serving their sentence.
12. Open Up to Others about Your Family Member or Friend in Prison
Talking to other people about your loved one’s incarceration is challenging. So, start with your family members and close friends. Doing so will help alleviate some of the isolation and stigma you may feel.
You may find others have gone through similar experiences once you start sharing with friends, family, or a support group. They can be in a position to offer you advice or empathy. Opening up can help you feel less alone and more supported.
Conclusion
It can be challenging to have a loved one in a correctional facility. It’s an overwhelming experience for you and your incarcerated loved one. There are many ways you can support and show your loved one that you care.
You can send them care packages, write a letter, or visit them; the list is endless. There are many actions you can take to make a positive impact on your loved one’s life in prison.
Don’t forget that asking for support from others and taking care of yourself is also crucial. This way, you will maintain your relationship and make this challenging situation a little easier.
