My son called last night to see if I had heard that eligibility for camps was being moved back to under 10 years. I found nothing. Two weeks before he was under 10 years, the rule changed to under 7 years (last October). He just called and said a memo was just posted moving the eligibility back to under 10 years. He is eligible to re-request a camp in April. I am so excited...maybe he will be moved closer to home and I can see him because I have not seen him since last March. Minnesota is a looong way from Texas. I hope this news helps more of you with loved ones in the federal system.
Take Care,
Brenda

That is wonderful news. I hope that he will move closer to you. He might want to put that request in

Thanks lulu,
Hopefully he will get closer but I don't think thay are going to let him come to Texas. At one time, they mentioned Colorado...at least that is nearer than where he is now.
Brenda

I hope that he can get closer to you.

softie

Well i sure hope they will. I dont nderstand them people.

I will keep you in my prayers

Keeping you in my prayers also...hope he is moved closer to you.

hugs,
Cindy

Thanks you all for your prayers and good wishes. I will keep you posted of any news

Brenda

GOOD LUCK TO YOU

I hope he gets to move closer and hopefully soon.

Brenda..How are YOU?!!! I know we haven't talked in awhile, but I'm glad to read this post and of course I only wish the most positive and good news to come your and Johns way!

I'm going to be looking more into Federal Camps...Are they like a prison? I recently have a friend who is going to be sentenced in May and he will be going to prison for up to 3 years (Federal) and his x-wife is facing 8 years. So can they get into Federal Camps? I'm sure their only concern is staying as close to Connecticut because they have two children. But as you well know, they can send you anywhere...

Hope to talk to you soon!

Pammie

Thanks all

Pammie,
After an amount of time at a minimum security Institution, an inmate may request a transfer to a camp. I am not sure if they can be sentenced to a camp...but it is possible since they have less than 10. I am sure their attorneys can request a camp and/or a facility near home because of children. They need to ask their attorney to help in placement. I wish them the best. Prison camp are less restrictive, more visitation and they are sometimes allowed to work away from facility. If they are eligible for minimum security, they may qualify. All prison camps are listed on the BOP site.

Yes, Pammie you can be sentenced directly to a camp, if the sentence is under 10 years. Also there cannot be any violence involved in the crime. Visitation is much better at the camps as well. Especially for the kids. The camp I visit has a very nice atmosphere for every one involved. They do special things for the kids on holidays and also have a guy who plays sports with them. He gets ball games going for them and involves the dads in playing as well. It's so nice to be able to see the kids spending NORMAL time with their dads. I feel this is very instructmental in the children's mental health. After awhile the kids get to know each other, as well as the wives, making visiting less stressful. The time to request a place close to home is at sentencing. The lawyer needs to stress the point of it being best for the kids, also if there's elderly parents involved as well. Even if the judge agrees with the request, it doesn't mean the BOP will honor it. Which was my case but it worked out for the better for us because where he was sent is a much better facility than the one close to home. Wishing your friends the best of luck.

Thanks for the info on federal camps. My man is suppose to go to a camo very soon. I live in CT and I am hoping he goes to Otisville, NY, which is the closest to my home. It sounds like visits will be better for me as well as the kids. Does anyone know how often the visits are? Also what camps are like as far as phone calls. One more thing....I heard they can be eligible for a furlough when they have 2 yrs left of their sentence???? Is anyone familiar with this?
Thanks,
Anita

Hi Dragonlady, I like your screen name. As far as visits go it depends on the camp they're sent to. I get to visit on Fri. night as well as Sat. & Sunday. Which I wished I could do every weekend but with the distance it's not possible. I have to drive 1400 miles round trip. Which explains my screen name! Everyone tells me I should get a trucking license and make some money at the same time. LOL. Also you'll have to wait 3 weeks before you can make your first visit. Spouses, children and siblings are able to visit without being approved first. ( double check with his attorney to make sure that hasn't changed, to be on the safe side) Everyone else has to fill out a form that he (your man) sends them, he gets these from his conselor. Then they have to wait til they are approved. That usually doesn't take too long. He'll be allowed to have a certain amount of approved vistors on his list.( for us it's 18) The same goes for his phone list, a certain amount and again the approval list. He'll only be able to call those numbers. Also don't make the mistake of doing 3 way calls, it's a big no-no. They are allowed to have 300 minutes a month for their calls. I hope that where he's going the phone system is the same as far as he's being able to call and taking the funds from his phone commisionary. It's alot cheaper that way vs. collect calls. My bill dropped big time when they did that at the camp where my man is. I believe they can request a furlough when they have 18 months left on their sentence. If you have any other questions just ask and hopefully one of can answer them. Also welcome to PTO, you'll find alot of support here, try to remember that you're not alone on this journey you're about to embark on. You'll be going through alot of different emotions from day to day, this is so normal. I wish I had known this and found this site a long time ago. It would have made things easier, glad that you found this site. Whatever you're feeling if you need to express it this is where you'll always find support. I wish you and your kids the best. Feel free to pm anytime you need to. With almost 3 years under my belt, may be I can help you in some way to deal with some of what you'll be feeling. Kinda like been there, done that thing. If what I've learned can be of some help or comfort, then it has served some purpose. Which in turn makes it alittle easier for me to deal with. Good luck.

Terry,
Thanks for the info. I am glad I found this site as well. Everyone is so freindly and helpful. Although I have been on this journey now for awhile, I am still so unfamiliar with what is ahead. It is nice to know that there are people I can talk to that aren't going to judge me or my lifestyle. I love my friend very much and I support him. I believe people can change and that people make mistakes and poor choices. I know I have. I also believe that the prison system doesn't help people it is the family and support that we give our loved ones that help them.
Thanks everyone.
Anita

:pissed: DENIED!!! They moved my son's team meeting up from April 'til last Wednesday. I had no time to send a letter. Probably wouldn't have helped anyway.They told him...maybe next September. He has all qualification, no trouble...but they want him to wait just a little longer. He said another guy was told the same thing.

Johnsmom,
Sorry to hear the news. I know how that goes. We have been dissappointed sooooo many times. Good luck in September!!!!! Maybe you will get a break then. We are waiting to go to team now too. But hoping for a transfer at the next team in 6 months. He is definitely ready and "qualified" to go....but who knows. They do what they want!!!! Keep the faith! All we have is hope.....
Anita

Thanks Anita,
I will keep the faith. My son is also ready and qualified to go but...they wanted to wait six more months. I guess they hope they will mess up during the interval 6 months.

Good luck to you and your loved one.

Brenda