What Families Need to Know About the IDOC Tablet Transition at Madison Correctional
If you send messages or photos to someone at Madison Correctional Facility, the IDOC tablet transition changes which platform you'll use—and what carries over. Here's what to do now to keep communicating without interruption.
To keep sending pictures and messages after the transition, you'll need a new account on GettingOut.com. This is the platform you'll use going forward for messaging and photos - so setting up your account is step one. You can create it now, before the switch happens. Once your loved one receives their new tablet, you'll add them as a contact in GettingOut and be ready to go.
- Create a new account on GettingOut.com - this is required to continue sending pictures and messages after the transition.
- Set it up ahead of time - you can create the account now so you’re ready when Madison’s tablets are updated.
- Add your loved one as a contact once they have the new tablet - you’ll be able to link to them after they’ve been issued the updated device.
Here's something that catches families off guard: photos and emails from the current system won't transfer to the new one. The good news? That content will be archived on the new tablets. But it won't show up in the new messaging setup the way you might expect - it's stored separately, not automatically available.
Heads up: If there are photos or messages you want your loved one to access easily through the new system, plan to send them again once you're set up on GettingOut.
Headphones are simple: the first pair comes free at the facility. If they get lost or break, replacements have to be purchased through commissary.
- ✓ Expect the first pair of tablet headphones to be provided at no cost
- ✓ Plan for replacements to be bought through commissary if headphones are lost or damaged
- ✓ If you’re trying to help your loved one budget, remind them replacements aren’t automatically reissued for free
The new tablets are assigned to individuals, but they remain state property. That means people can be held responsible if a tablet or accessory is intentionally lost or damaged. It also helps to know what the device can actually do: these tablets don't connect to the internet. They run on a separate intranet and can't access Facebook, Twitter, or any other websites.
Expectation check: The tablet won't open websites or social media - no Facebook, no Twitter, no general internet browsing.
Since the tablet and accessories are state property, treat them like borrowed equipment. Intentional damage or loss can mean consequences for your loved one. Worth mentioning early - replacements and accountability issues create unnecessary stress down the road.
Action Steps
- ✓ Set up your new GettingOut.com account now so you can keep sending pictures and messages after the transition
- ✓ Plan to resend important photos or messages through the new system, since items on the current system won’t transfer (even though they’ll be archived on the new tablets)
- ✓ Keep headphone costs in mind: the first pair is free, but replacements must be purchased through commissary
Timing tip: Create your GettingOut account now. Be ready to resend key photos and messages as soon as the transition happens - that way you're not stuck waiting to reconnect.
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