Phone calls, video visits, and messaging: setup and expectations
Communication options in Kentucky vary by facility. Phone calls, video visits, and messaging can be run by different vendors, and setup steps differ from one location to the next. Find the facility's communication rules first, then set up the correct vendor account (if required) before putting money on anything.
Securus is one vendor you may encounter. Some facilities using Securus require families to set up a phone account to receive collect calls, and the person inside may need to enroll in an automated phone system at booking. Phone systems often limit how frequently approved phone numbers can be changed, sometimes only during a short window each month.
Money and communication are often linked. At some Kentucky detention centers, commissary funds can also cover video calls and texts/emails. Some facilities let families add phone minutes through Care-A-Cell's joint accounts system. A few locations sell calling cards at lobby kiosks or through commissary, and those purchases are often non-refundable.
Common Questions
Q
How do I register my phone number so calls from the facility are private?
If the facility uses Securus, you can request that your phone number be marked as private by contacting the correctional facility and asking them to register your number with Securus. This is specifically recommended as a way to help ensure calls are not recorded.
Q
How can I deposit money for phone minutes or commissary?
Facilities may offer more than one option, including mailed money orders for a canteen/commissary account, deposits at a lobby kiosk, or vendor-based online deposits. For phone minutes in some systems, deposits can be made through the Care-A-Cell joint accounts process.
Q
Do attorneys have different visitation or messaging privileges?
Kentucky DOC publishes a separate process for attorney video visits through Securus, including identity verification and proof of licensure during registration. For Securus attorney video visits, Kentucky DOC states the visit costs $5 for up to a 25-minute session and that visits are not monitored or recorded by staff. For legal documents, attorneys registering for the Legal Mail Portal are required to upload proof of licensure in good standing.
Q
Are there fees for medical visits or prescriptions for inmates?
Some facilities charge medical co-pays that are billed to the inmate’s account, for example one published schedule lists a $10 fee for a medical, dental, or mental health visit and a $2 fee per prescription. For Kentucky probation-related costs (like supervision fees, restitution, fines, court costs, or drug testing fees), payment methods can include app or kiosk payments for drug testing fees and other payment locations for the rest.
Find an Inmate
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
