Hello - Our family is new to the prison system. We have an adult child who will be going to prison in VA and we'd like to know what kind of resources (if any) are available to prepare our family for this situation. Where can we find information about what the prisoner and the family can reasonably expect? The more data we have the more likely we can contain (control?) our fears - well, that's my thinking today anyway. Any and all input is appreciated. Additionally, I have no idea how to navigate through this web site. The most I've ever done on the computer is emails and googling. I trust this will actually reach someone out there. Thank you. Mom-mom

Welcome to PTO!

:) Hello and welcome to PTO :)

Hi Mom! Welcome to PTO! For not knowing anything, you sure found the right spot when you popped in here. ;)

PTO is jam-packed with information and wonderful people just waiting to offer a helping hand, sound advice and a shoulder to cry on. The basics of dealing with the Department of Corrections (DOC) is keeping your cool and knowing your way around.

There are many threads in here telling how to set up the phones, how to handle visits, how to send mail and how to put money on their commissary account. I will hit on a few highlights but the best thing you can do is just pop around in the Virginia Forum and READ!!

After sentencing in the local court, if for one year or longer, will become property of the state and the DOC will take charge. They will be transferred into a reception center. For men it is currently Deep Meadow, Powhatan, or Mecklenburg. For women I believe it is Virginia Correctional Center for Women. (If anyone knows for sure, please let me know). They stay at reception/classification on average about 3 to 6 months. Note I said average. Some more, some less.

Their classification is based on the charge, the length of sentence, their history, their medical, and their behavior, among other things. Level 1 is the lowest and Level 6 is the highest. They will be sent to a permanent facility based on this level.

Once they get into DOC (even the classification center) they will get a PIN for the phone. They can only make collect calls and you will have to set up an account (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237839) with MCI. It's expensive so be sitting down when you find out what the rates are. You can check your balance and pay your bill online at https://corrections.mci.com

When medical clears them, about 2 weeks or so after they go in, you can go visit. Visits are different at each facility. Some have the odd/even days based on their DOC number and only give you an hour. Some are all day, Saturday and/or Sunday. Depends on the facility. Make sure you wear underwear and conservative clothes. You will be searched before you go in. It isn't bad. Most visits are contact visits where you sit at tables and can kiss and hug your loved one at the beginning and end of the visit.

If they want to buy anything, it must come from commissary. You can put money on their account with a money order from the post office or Western Union, or go onto www.jpay.com and send it in that way. If they have a medical problem, they will deduct money from their account for doctor visits and any prescriptions being filled.

I think I hit on most of the things. I am sorry your family is going through this. It is very scary and overwhelming at first, but you have taken a big first step by joining PTO and learning what to expect. I personally, have never seen so many people joined together in open support and respect as I have here.

So welcome!!! If you have any other questions, please post them. Someone will always come along who can answer them. You are not alone. We are here. (((((HUGS)))))

dw

mom-mom.... dw has hit on most all of your concerns. Please feel free to post any questions, or pm one of us if need be. As has already been said... This is a great site for support and advice! We are thankful you found us!! Good Luck!!

Glad you found us and I hope we can help keep ya going during the hard times.

My husband has just been transfered from Fairfax County ADC to Powhatan Reception and Classification Center. I recieved a call early this afternoon from an automated machine, asking if I would expect calls and charges, etc. He called my cell phone and I don't have a landline. I'm assuming I can't get calls on my cell from MCI, right? Anyway, what can I do to get in contact with him? Can I send him money right away and expect calls soon? Or does it have to be a prepaid account with MCI? Please help me, I am new to PTO.

Thanks!

That you got the message is a good sign! Usually the number won't validate and you won't even know he is calling. Listen to the message real close and then call the number they give you and see if you can set it up. He cannot pay for the calls, they have to be collect. If you want to send him money for his commissary, I am sure he will appreciate it since they have to star all over once they go into DOC. A lot of things like shampoo and soap and pens and envelopes they bought at regional jails is not allowed in DOC and they have to buy it new from DOC.

Try to get the phone set up and it you can't do it directly to your cell, try one of the services that gives you a local number that forwards to your cell. I am glad you found PTO! Let me know if I can help!

dw

you can send money right away to him. you can use jpay.com or send a money order to the prison with his name and inmate number. i have a cell too and i cant get collect calls on it but i found on here someone said something about a local123.net it hink that you can set up a remote land line account and it links to your cell phone. try that? if you need directions and stuff you can google va doc and find your facility is gives exact addresses and usually general directions. my guy was just moved to pocahontas and i have been on here trying to get info on that. let me know if there is anything else i can maybe help you with. thats why we are on here, right?

mom-mom, dw has covered basically all you need to know, but if you have a female that is going into the prison system they will go through reception at Fluvanna or South Hampton. I am a recently release female and am willing to help of answer any of your questions. Welcome, and don't be shy to post out here, the people are very caring and pouring with suggestions and help!!!