I see alot of information at this site and I do believe I can find the answers I need. My wife's son was recently assigned to Folsom and from what I have read here it doesn't sound to good. I understand that it is an old prison and it also sounds like visiting someone there is only for 30 mins? We live in LA area and that will be a long drive for that short of a visit. But, it will be worth it so that my wife has a little peace of mind. I read in some other threads something about quarterly package, where would I find information about these packages and the approved vendors? Never having been in these problems before I have to help my wife through this difficult time as we are not the youngest people on the block and I don't want for her to wait for answers from her son. Any help anyone can provide would be great since she will be home in about a week and I had to tell her today about the transfer she broke down and cried. It just breaks my heart when she cries and I feel like I can't do anything. If this was his first time I could feel bad for him, but this is the third time for him and this time he got 6 years. It has really hurt my wife and has turned me a little bitter against him for the pain he causes her.

In advance thank you for any information,
Robert

It depends on if he's going to old folsom or new folsom. Old folsom is level 4 and I think new folsom is level 2&3

HI Robert

First off welcome to PTO you have found a great resource for information and support. I'm sorry to hear of the troubles with your son and the heartache it has caused his mom. That is one thing we all have in common on PTO the heartache of losing a loved one to the system.

From what I know of Old Folsom, it is not the worst of the Prisons in California. It house a lot of older inmates sentenced to long terms and is split into three housing levels. It's also the second oldest prison in CA and the older prisons know how to run, they've been around a long time. Being on PTO almost a year I have not read a lot of bad things going on up at Folsom, so that can be a good thing. As to visits your son will be eligble for either a 1 hour non-contact visit, or a no time limit contact visit. (during visiting hours say 8:30-3:00). Once eligble for quarterly packages, you can order from many vendors

Here's a post that has many listed
Vendor Packages (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1038522&postcount=3)

Also check out this thread as it has a lot of useful information to those new to the system.

New to the system? For Family and Friends of Inmates (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=916414&postcount=1)

More folks with loved one up at Folsom will come along and give you a better idea what it's like up there, please check back often as we are here to help.

Richard

Oh to add: Old Folsom houses level I, II and III inmates and has an AD Seg Unit (Administrative Segregation), California State Prison Sacramento was refered to as New Folsom and houses I, II, IV and various degrees of protective custody (AD SEG, SHU, PHU, OHU, EOP)

Robert,

My 20 year old son was just transferred to Old Folsom on 3/2/05. Within 4 days, I received a letter from him. He said it wasn't that bad. That one liitle sentence made me feel so good. I was scared for him, but it looks like Folsom is ok. I have called the prison several times to ask questions. The people I talked with were very courteous and gladly answered any of my questions. PTO has a lot of great people that provide information and support. You have found a very good resource. :)

I plan to visit my son for the first time this weekend, if allowed. Then I will know first hand what Folsom is like. I think we always imagine the worse when we don't have good information. Hang in there. I think your wife's son will be fine.

Take Care, Charme

Hi Robert,
Welcome and I'm sorry that your step-son has put you all through so much. I hope he learns his lessons well and appreciates the support you both provide to him.

Sadly, I know way too much about OF...I'm sure that's where you son is since you said it was an old building. It's turning into a level III only prison, so it's a lot more violent than it used to be, but hopefully your loved one hooks up with some older inmates who show him the ropes.

Once he's mainlined, all visits are all day. So, no it's not true about the 1/2 hour visits.
However, if he's in Ad Seg, he'll always have to visit behnind glass, and you have to call to make appts. for those and they are only an hour.

Tell you wife to stay strong and not to worry. Prison can actually change someone's life for good. I've met some wonderful people there, whom I'd seriously consider friends. My husband is there, so if you have anymore questions, feel free to PM or post here too. I'm not on here too much, so it might take a few days to hear from me.
Best,
Wendy

Also, we've had a lot of lockdowns recently. ALWAYS call the visiting hotline before you make that drive. Also, we've got a group on Yahoo that's just for loved one's and it's always updated. If you PM, I can give you that link.

to robert well robert it aint so bad and yes it is along drive i went over there couple of months ago but my babe was in the new folsom u get to spend the hole day with him 8 am til 2 pm and about the packages u need to call to see wat he can or can mot recieve sometimes u need to get there stuff from there vendors so i hope u do take a ride over there u may think ur gonna ur going to an ugly place cause ur going to a prison but its beatiful over ther and when ur wife sees him shell be happy but leaving
on sunday is the hard part so i hope i was help full enjoy ur visit mannysbabynini