How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

You can't call an offender directly. The facility does not allow incoming calls, so the only way to talk by phone is if the offender calls you. For that to happen, they need to add your phone number to their approved calling list first.

Cost matters if you're trying to stay in regular contact. Local, intrastate, and interstate calls are listed at $0.06. International call costs vary.

Steps-to-follow

• ✓ Ask the offender to add your phone number to their approved calling list before you expect calls to come through.

• ✓ Plan for the stated call cost of $0.06 for local, intrastate, and interstate calls when you budget for phone contact.

This means you'll want to coordinate with the offender on timing and expectations ahead of time. If your number isn't on the approved list, the offender won't be able to reach you. Once it is, calls should follow the listed $0.06 rate for local, intrastate, and interstate calls.

Before you count on phone calls as your main way to stay in touch, confirm the current rules for the approved calling list. Ask how numbers get added, whether there are limits or restrictions, and whether any exceptions exist for urgent situations.

Confirm the current call rate too, and whether the $0.06 price still applies. While you're at it, ask how billing works on your end (for example, whether you need to set up a prepaid balance or another type of account) so calls don't fail unexpectedly.