How to Stop an Incarcerated Person from Contacting You (Mail Stop & Phone Restriction)

You don't have to handle unwanted mail or phone contact from an IDOC individual on your own. IDOC has a formal process: complete the Mail Stop and Phone Restriction Request form and submit it to the Victim Services Unit. The form is commonly used by victims and witnesses, but it also allows other requester types. So even if you're not the direct victim, you can still request that contact stop.

• ✓ Victim
• ✓ Witness
• ✓ Victim Next of Kin
• ✓ Guardian of Victim
• ✓ Concerned Citizen
• ✓ The form allows you to request a mail stop for a specific, named individual in IDOC custody

You'll use IDOC's Mail Stop and Phone Restriction Request form to make your request. A Spanish version is also available if you need to complete it in that language or share it with a family member who's helping you.

1. Mark your status on the form - Select the option that matches you (Victim, Witness, Victim Next of Kin, Guardian of Victim, or Concerned Citizen).
2. Identify the person you want restricted - Use the section that requests a mail stop on the named individual in custody so IDOC knows exactly who the request is about.
3. Fill in the mailing address blocks - The form includes a “Please mail this completed form to:” area with a Warden and Correctional Center address block, which you can complete if you are mailing it to the facility.

• ✓ Email the completed form to DOC.VictimServices@illinois.gov
• ✓ Mail the completed form to the IDOC Victim Services Unit
• ✓ Mail the completed form to the facility warden using the form’s “Please mail this completed form to: Warden ____ Correctional Center ____” address block

For questions about the process or help with follow-up, contact the IDOC Victim Services Unit at (217) 558-2200 ext. 4006 or toll-free at (877) 776-0755. They're available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.