6 Ways to Stay in Touch With Someone in Prison if You Don’t Like Writing

Writing letters doesn’t come naturally to all of us, especially as communication has become more instant through text messages or phone conversations. However, there are still many ways for you to stay in contact with your relatives or friends in prison through the mail without putting pen to paper. Alternatively, you could also speak to an inmate by phone or book an in-person visit.

Finding Out What You Can Send an Inmate Through the Mail

Sending a written letter to an inmate is usually an easy task. As long as nothing in the letter alludes to criminal or sexual activity, the inmate will almost always be able to read it. However, sending physical objects within the letter, like photos or crosswords, or gifts like magazines, books, or newspapers will always come with rules and regulations you must follow.

Example: FCI Hazelton, West Virginia

At the prison institution FCI Hazelton, inmates are allowed to receive correspondence from family and friends, but most packages won’t be accepted unless bought from places like Amazon or directly from the publisher. Loved ones can send money that can be used at a commissary. Friends and family can also set up phone dates or visit an inmate in person.

How to Stay In Touch Without Writing a Letter

1. Mailing Letters Written by Someone Else

It may be challenging to write in a language you’re unfamiliar with, or you may have issues getting your point across in the written word. If you’re uncomfortable with writing a letter for any reason, you may be able to find someone who can help you. Ask a friend or someone in your community to translate a message in English/Spanish or to articulate your thoughts on paper. 

2. Send Photos of Family Members

Send your family member or friend a photo of you, their family, a pet, their children, or anything you think will bring a smile to their face. Inmates can hang these photos throughout their cell, on their person, or be used as bookmarks. You can send up to five photographs to inmates as long as they are of a specific size and don’t contain nudity, tattoos, or hand gestures. 

3. Buy Books, Magazines, or Newspapers

As long as the gifted book, magazine, or newspaper comes directly from the publisher or Amazon, prisons will generally accept paperback reading material as long as it isn’t pornographic. Inmates can receive up to three books at a time of any length, so if you want to keep them entertained between mail days, send them larger nonfiction or fiction novels.

4. Make or Buy a Birthday/Holiday Card

Most prisons have rules against adding glitter, glue, or drawings to cards. You also can’t send cards that contain stickers or pop-up content. If you’re uncomfortable with writing anything further, purchase a greeting or holiday card with a lovely poem or saying that resonates with your feelings. Know that inmates may not get the card on the exact date of their birthday.

5. Set up a Phone Date

Unless an inmate is in solitary confinement, they can usually call a family member or friend as long as their number is approved by the prison staff. Set up a date and time that works for both of you, and stay by the phone around that time. If you miss their call, they can’t phone again that day. Inmates can’t accept incoming calls, and calls can’t be answered on a cellphone.

6. Book an In-Person or Video Meeting

Family members and friends of an inmate can book in-person or video meetings through a facility. Visitors must apply and be vetted first. Once cleared, you need to contact the facility to arrange a meeting or speak to the service producer that provides the video feed. Most prisons will allow you to visit with an inmate for upwards of an hour, whether it’s in-person or on video.