Staying in touch after Corrigan-Radgowski closed: phone calls, tablets, and e-messaging

In Connecticut DOC, the phone process starts on the inside. Your loved one creates a telephone calling list with up to 10 numbers and submits it for approval. Not getting calls yet? The most common reasons: the list hasn't been set up, it's still pending approval, or your number isn't on it.

Once your number is approved, calls are typically capped at 15 minutes. The part that catches people off guard is timing - the facility sets specific call windows, so even with everything approved, calls only happen during those hours.

Phone contact is outgoing only. Incarcerated people can't receive incoming calls - they place collect calls or use the Securus billing option. If you need to reach them urgently, calling the facility won't get you patched through. Your best move: make sure your number is on their approved list and that you're set up to accept the type of call they can place.

Right after someone is newly incarcerated, a "courtesy call" may be possible - but it's not automatic. The facility warden can authorize these calls, and timing still follows the facility's regular call schedule.

Tablets and related services in CT DOC run through JPay and Securus. The State signed a contract on April 4, 2019 with JPay Inc. (a Securus Technologies company) to provide computer tablets to DOC inmates. That's why you'll see both names when setting up messaging or media.

If your loved one has outstanding Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) financial obligations, direct deposits into their tablet media account can be blocked. Securus won't process direct deposit funds for anyone with an outstanding PLRA obligation.

1. Ask your loved one about PLRA status - if they have outstanding PLRA financial obligations, direct tablet media deposits won’t be processed.
2. Have them request help through Inmate Accounts - all incarcerated individuals, including those with outstanding PLRA obligations, can submit Special Request Forms to Inmate Accounts.
3. Follow up based on what Inmate Accounts says - the Special Request Form route is the approved workaround when direct processing is restricted.

This means funding is straightforward for some people and frustrating for others. Tablet deposits run through JPay/Securus, but PLRA obligations can block direct deposits. If that's happening, the next step is on your loved one's side: they'll need to use the Special Request Form process through Inmate Accounts to get funds handled.

• ✓ Use the CT DOC Inmate Search to confirm where your loved one is currently housed (Corrigan has been closed since January 23, 2018).
• ✓ If you can’t find what you need, contact the Connecticut DOC Public Information Office at 860-692-7780.
• ✓ If you need to write or document a request, the Public Information Office address is 24 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109.
• ✓ Confirm the current facility before you send money or try to set up tablet messaging, since services can depend on where the person is housed.

If you're handling a privileged or professional visit issue tied to Corrigan records, the contact email is Corrigan.ProfVisit@ct.gov. For family visits, the rule is simple: you must be on the incarcerated person's approved visiting list before you can visit. CT DOC uses the Visiting FAQ process to add you - plan ahead, because approval has to happen before the visit.