Recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month for over 70 years, May is a time to raise awareness of mental and behavioral health issues. Resources and resources are available to you and your incarcerated loved ones throughout the year; Support does not have to end at the end of the month.
In 2022, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that 2 in 5 inmates had a history of mental illness (37% in state and federal prisons and 44% in local prisons). Almost 66% of incarcerated women reported a history of mental illness, nearly double the percentage of incarcerated men. However, less than a quarter of these individuals receive treatment while in detention. As a family member of an incarcerated person, it is important to talk about the challenges, stigma and needed solutions related to mental illness.
How often can you visit your imprisoned relative?
Under federal law, an incarcerated person is entitled to at least 4 hours of visiting time per month. Depending on where your loved one is, they may have more visiting hours. The facility may also limit the duration of each visit and the number of people who can be in the room. Before you leave, be sure to find out about the center’s visiting hours and whether or not you need to make an appointment. If you’re unsure how to approach a personal visit to your incarcerated loved one, check out these tips on what to talk about when visiting someone in prison.
In addition to phone calls and personal visits, there are other ways to keep in touch with your loved one while in detention. Communicating via mail is a simple and easy way to keep in touch and gives the incarcerated person a reminder to hold on to. For example, sending photos through Pelipost is a great way to stay connected and give your loved one a material item to help them through difficult times.
How to take calls from an inmate
Typically, an inmate will submit a list of phone numbers shortly after admission to a facility. You must be on an inmate’s approved phone list to receive calls. Sometimes inmates feel overwhelmed and can’t remember important phone numbers to add to the list. Yes, it happens, but don’t panic! The inmate can enter his number in the list at any time.
As a precaution, it’s probably a good idea to include your number in a letter to your inmate. Some states, such as Texas, have special websites where you can register your phone number with the Department of Corrections. Unfortunately, being on the list doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the call. Here are some reasons why this might happen: