First, go to the website of your loved one’s correctional facility to see the guidelines and rules of visiting an incarcerated individual. Some common requirements and guidelines are below:

1. You will need to obtain proper visitation documentation and have proper ID to enter the facility.
2. All facilities have restrictions on what you are not allowed to wear to a visit. Every facility is different, but you should learn what these restrictions are before you arrive (i.e., some prohibit gang colors, hats, and graphic tees with offensive language on them).
3. Some visitor centers at facilities will have vending machines. You may want to bring quarters and single dollars to purchase a snack or drink during your visit. You will not be allowed to bring food or drinks into the facility with you.
4. Each visitor’s center at a facility will have unique rules. Make yourself familiar with these rules. Some examples include:
   • Limiting displays of affection to hand holding and hugging. 
   • Avoiding swear words or inappropriate discussions (Remember there may be children present).
5. Be aware of all rules the facility has for a visiting center or room. Keep in mind that if you break any of the facility rules you could be subject to consequences, such as restricting future visitation.

If getting to visit your loved one is a financial challenge due to time and distance, check with the Department of Corrections in your state or facility for resources that might be available to help. Some states offer shuttle bus services to prisons that are not reachable by public transportation, while others might offer vouchers for bus transportation. It all varies from state to state and facility to facility, so check with the facility for details. You can usually find information about visiting and any available resources on their website.

Every facility has different rules and regulations about what can be delivered to an incarcerated individual. Those guidelines should be listed on the facility’s website. Money transfer and communications providers are not responsible for creating or enforcing those rules, nor do they provide care package options.

Mental Health America has these suggested tips that can be useful.

During this difficult time, it’s just as important to support yourself as it is to support your incarcerated loved one. Many communities have local support groups for friends, families, and their children that can help them manage the stress and emotional toll of having a loved one incarcerated.  

1. To find a local facility or program, you can search the internet or reach out to a local house of worship, community center, or nonprofit serving the formerly incarcerated. 
2. The Department of Health and Human Services has more information on financial resources for single parents.

There are a number of government programs to assist those in financial need due to the incarceration of a loved one. These programs cover financial aid for utilities and food to help families get by during this period. Programs include: 

1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides financial help to families with children who can’t meet their basic needs
2. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers reduced rents for public housing and apartments
3. The Sunshine Lady Foundation offers a scholarship program that provides victims of domestic abuse with an opportunity to attend a college full- or part-time to gain independence and employment while their family member is incarcerated.
4. The Child Care Assistance Program will help with child-care costs when a parent is incarcerated and finances are tight. 
5. Many states also help cover insurance for low-income families. Check your state’s website for additional information. 

Contact your local state or county welfare office for details. If families of incarcerated people have needs that the government can’t address, there are a variety of charities that can help, including synagogues, churches, and organizations like the Salvation Army or the United Way. These organizations might also offer services such as job training, literacy programs, and employment.

Staying connected with your loved one on a continuous basis is important, but it means even more to them on their birthday and on holidays. If you can’t be there in person, then ask them to call you on their birthday. If your loved one’s facility is serviced by JPay or Securus, you can also send video messages and/or birthday e-cards.

Holidays are a busy time at correctional facilities, so try to schedule an in-person visit or a video connect session early. Keep in mind that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many facilities have suspended in-person visits. Check the facility’s website for the most up-to-date information on visiting guidelines.

Depending on the facility, you can also send greeting cards through the mail or send a photo, video, or e-card through e-messaging that they can receive on their tablet.