Can You Send Care Packages, Books, or Magazines to Someone at FCI Terre Haute?

Inmates can't receive care packages sent from home without prior written approval. That approval has to come from the unit team or another authorized staff member at the institution. Don't mail a box and hope it gets through - get the okay in writing before you send anything that counts as a package.

• ✓ Release clothing (when permitted)
• ✓ Authorized medical devices

Books and reading material are handled differently than packages, but the source matters. Hardcover books and newspapers can only be received if they're mailed directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. A newspaper or hardcover you drop in the mail yourself will likely be rejected.

For softcover publications - paperback books, magazines, and similar items - the rules can be just as strict. At medium security, high security, and administrative institutions, softcover publications can only be received if sent by the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. Ordering online? Select an option that ships directly from the seller to the facility. A used book re-mailed by an individual won't make it through.

If a publication doesn't make it in, not just anyone can make that call. Only the Warden can reject an incoming publication - or the Acting Warden when the Warden is absent.

1. Watch for the rejection notice - if a publication is rejected, the Warden is responsible for advising the publisher or sender about the rejection.
2. Read the reason given - the notice should explain that an independent review is available.
3. Request an independent review within 20 days - the publisher or sender may seek review by writing to the Regional Director within 20 days of receiving the rejection letter.

Practical Advice Families

• ✓ Order hardcover books and newspapers only through a publisher, book club, or bookstore so they ship from an approved source.
• ✓ For paperback books, magazines, and other softcover items, stick with publisher/book club/bookstore shipping whenever the facility’s security level requires it.

Softcover rules vary by security level, so confirm your loved one's classification before ordering paperbacks or magazines. Minimum and low security settings allow more flexibility than medium, high, or administrative facilities. Planning to send anything that counts as a package from home? Contact the unit team first and get prior written approval.