My husband has been sentenced to 12 years and was just transferred yesterday (June 20, 2006) from LA County Jail to Tracy Prison (Duel Vocational Institute?). I have no idea what is going on and I'm falling apart. What's happening with him? Can he make phone calls? Have visitation? Can money be put on his books? If so, how? Can he send and receive mail? I know these are a lot of questions, but I am so clueless. I'm not even sure how to use this site yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Cyd

I am unable to assist you with your questions as being where I am from it is different. I just wanted to pop in and say it will be ok, they cant keep him forever. HUGS to you as right now it will be hard, it does get easier with time you'll be and old hand at this soon.
My thoughts are with you and your loved one.

OK, deep breath, Darlin', Welcome to PTO... if he just got transferred from county, he's probably in reception, so no phone calls, no contact visits but yes, he can send and recieve mail and yes, you can put money on his books... call DVI to get his housing assignment and to ask what you can send to him (No books, but probably paper, envelopes, stamps, a newspaper subscription... these things really ease the transition)
The very first thing he should do is to send you 2 copies of the Visitors Questionaire, Form CDC-106 that he has signed on the back, so that you may begin the application process to visit him..fill one out and send it in, keep the other just in case he gets mainlined before you get approved.
If you get approved, the approval will follow him to the next facility, but if your approval is not complete when he's transferred, you'll have to send in the form again, so it saves a lot of time to have an extra copy on hand.
And we were pretty much ALL clueless when we got here, so never worry about that!

Thank you so much for all your help and support. There is no one for me to talk to about all this here at home. All my family and friends think he should disappear forever. Thank you again. Cyd

Hi Cyd,
Exactly as labeau said..Right now you just have to wait to hear from him. After a couple of days you can contact the inmate locator # 916-445-6713. They will ask you for his full name and birthdate. They will tell you exactly where he is, and provide an address where you can write him. As far as money, if he had any on his books at the time it will follow him. You can send a money order made out to him, but I believe you will need his cdc#. Anyway after you find out where he is you can call the prison direct and hopefully someone can help you out there. Is this his first time in prison? And your best bet as far as paper etc, send a plain writing tablet and the pre-stamped envelopes you get from the post office. Some prisons do not allow books of stamps or regular stamped envelopes. Good luck and send me a private message if you have any other questions. ( click on my name and when the options pop up click on send private message) I will do my best to help you out. Thats what we're here for to help and support each other.

welcome to PTO

Hi and welcome to PTO.
Love, Sheila:) :D ;) :p :o :thumbsup: :yes: :hee: :wave: :yay: :dance: :beer: :hifive: :clap: :grouphug: :rock: