Any of us who are dealing with this have tons of questions. Some bigger then others, but all the same they are important to us. I have recieved a lot of helpful information in the WA and MN forums, but sometimes it can be tricky to find the answers to the questions we are asking. Especially being in an unstable frame of mind and wanting and needing answers soon.

I am going to post some of the questions I have asked here in this thread. Feel free to post any aditional questions that arent answered here as well. If the answer isnt already posted in one of the other forums together we can get the answer.

Q & A

Mailing address
CCA/Prairie Correctional Facility
INMATE NAME DOC# STATE
P.O. Box 500
Appleton, MN 56208

Note: Mail going out is only processed a couple days a week so dont expect a letter every day even if you man write every day.

Phone Calls
Phone numbers must be submitted by inmate prior to calling. Inmate can have up to 10 numbers on his calling list

Phone calls are 20 minutes each. It seems there are a few phone options. They can call collect or use a prepaid system.

Option 1
Inmates can purchase phone time in blocks in $5 and $10. The calls are $5.60 for 20 minutes

Option 2
You can set up a prepaid account through Correctional Billing System. You can call in advance and find out your rates to compare if this or the prepaid option is best for you.

Example--For me the calls are 1.25 to except and .22 a minute. Ending up .5 more this way then him getting phone time, but its a lot quicker when trying to get money for calls at the last minute.

Option 3
Correctional Billing can set up an account through your phone company. You will have the same rates as the prepaid option just a little more convienent. IMO a little more risky this way

Can inmates use the phone at any time or only certain times
As far as my knowledge they can use the phones from the time they are out of their cells (like 7am) although i don't think the phones turn on til like 9 until lockdown at 1030pm.

Now if he has a job or goes to school he most likely won't be able to use them until after he is done with that for the day.

I called the PCF on Wednesday and Friday and got the run around. I keep leaving voice mail for people who are suppose to be able to answer our questions. I'll let you know if I hear anything new. So far I've only found out that only two programs are available at this time. One is Cognitive Self Change (CSC) based and the other is anger management. It sounds like the guys have been housed together and have only gotten two pieces of paper, one envelope and the entire unti got to share two pens. Besides the staff being a little rude and demanding, I think they are all starting to settle in. Hang in there, I know it's rough and you are not alone.

You will find misc information about what the facility offers as well as visiting information. You will also find contact information for the Facility Public Information Officer


http://www.correctionscorp.com/act_bystate.cfm?f_success=facilities&state=Minnesota#