Practical guidance, emotional support, and trusted resources for families navigating the prison visitation process — every step of the way.
Understanding the process ahead of time helps reduce anxiety and makes your visit go as smoothly as possible.
Your loved one must add you to their approved visitor list with their case manager. Federal prisons take 2–4 weeks to process; state prisons 2–6 weeks; county jails can be faster. You may also need to submit a background check form.
Most facilities require advance scheduling. Check the facility's website or call directly for available visiting hours. Times vary — weekends are common, some facilities offer weekday visits. Arrive 30–60 minutes early; late arrivals are often turned away.
All visitors pass through a metal detector and may receive a pat search. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Leave phones, smartwatches, cameras, and recording devices in your car — these are not permitted inside.
You'll be escorted or directed to a designated visiting room. Visits may be contact (in-person, same room) or non-contact (through glass with a phone). The type of visit depends on the facility's rules and your loved one's security level.
A brief hug or handshake at the start and end is usually allowed. Stay seated, keep voices calm, and follow all posted rules. Officers monitor the room — inappropriate behavior may end the visit early and affect future visitation rights.
Following proper etiquette protects your loved one's visitation privileges and makes the experience meaningful for both of you.
Focus on positive, uplifting topics when possible. Listen as much as you talk. Avoid putting pressure on your loved one about things they can't control from inside. Ask how they're doing emotionally — it matters.
Many facilities now offer video visitation. These can be a great supplement between in-person visits, especially if you live far away. Check whether your facility uses services like GTL, Securus, or JPay.
Letters, cards, and approved photos help maintain bonds. Most facilities have clear rules about mail — envelopes must be plain white, no glitter, no staples. Check the facility's specific mail guidelines.
Connecting with others who truly understand your experience can make an enormous difference. These organizations offer peer support, counseling referrals, and community.
Peer-led support groups for adults with loved ones in the criminal justice system. Meets regularly online and in-person across multiple states including NY, OH, MD, AZ, IN, NE, and NV.
Visit PFA →Helps families overcome financial, social, and emotional hardship during and after incarceration. Offers legal support navigation, direct services, and community organizing in New York.
Visit AFJ →Advocacy organization that also connects families with resources and support. Fights for fairer sentencing laws and offers a family network for those impacted by mandatory sentences.
Visit FAMM →Maintains a nationwide database of vetted community and faith-based organizations that serve families impacted by incarceration. A great starting point to find local support near you.
Visit Extended Family →Provides spiritual and practical support to prisoners' families through a network of local churches. Offers the Angel Tree program for children of incarcerated parents, as well as family events and resources.
Visit Prison Fellowship →An online community and resource hub specifically for those who have a loved one currently incarcerated. Includes forums, articles, and emotional support resources.
Visit L.O.P. →Children often experience grief, confusion, shame, and fear. Honest, age-appropriate communication and stable support can make a meaningful difference in their wellbeing.
Use simple, honest language. Children often blame themselves when a parent disappears — reassure them it is not their fault. You don't need all the details, but avoid lying: "Dad is in a place called prison because he broke a rule" is age-appropriate and truthful.
Older children may feel angry, ashamed, or withdrawn. Encourage them to express feelings without judgment. Validate that it's okay to feel conflicted — to love someone and still feel hurt by what happened.
This is a personal decision. Research suggests maintaining a parent-child relationship during incarceration generally benefits children, but visits should never be forced. Prepare children beforehand so the environment isn't a shock. Many facilities have family-friendly visiting areas.
Free toolkit for families with young children — includes videos, a storybook, worksheets, and a smartphone app tailored by age group.
Access Toolkit →The oldest and largest organization in the U.S. dedicated to children and families of the incarcerated. Offers research, program directories, and family support tools.
Visit NRCCFI →Trains volunteers to lead support groups for children and teens ages 3–18 dealing with grief from loss or separation, including parental incarceration.
Visit Rainbows →Grades K–5 (Ages 5–11): "My Daddy Is in Jail" by Janet M. Bender — includes a story, discussion guide, and small group activities
Ages 10–13: "Ruby on the Outside" by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Teens: "Teen Guide to Living With Incarcerated Parents" by Anyé Young
Monthly online support groups for children ages 7–17, separated by age group. A safe, peer-supported space facilitated by trained volunteers.
Visit PFA →Reentry is one of the most critical — and challenging — transitions. Planning ahead together dramatically improves the chances of a successful return home.
Stable housing is one of the biggest barriers after release. Research halfway houses, transitional housing programs, and parole-approved residences in your area well before release day. Many nonprofits offer short-term housing assistance.
Look into "ban-the-box" employers and programs specifically designed to hire returning citizens. Organizations like Honest Jobs, Easterseals, and local workforce development centers can assist with job placement and resume building.
Your loved one will need a state ID, Social Security card, and birth certificate to access most services. Many states have programs to help returning citizens obtain these — start the process before release if possible.
Many returning citizens are eligible for Medicaid upon release. Connect with community health centers for physical and mental health care. Substance use treatment and trauma-informed counseling are often available at no cost.
Understand the terms of supervision early. Help your loved one keep every appointment with their probation or parole officer. A missed check-in can result in reincarceration. Build a relationship with the officer when possible.
Reentry can strain relationships even with the best intentions. Family counseling and reentry support groups can help everyone navigate the adjustment together. The National Reentry Resource Center offers state-by-state directories.
Comprehensive directory of reentry programs, resources, and policy information organized by state. Run by the Council of State Governments Justice Center.
Explore Resources →Searchable tool to find local reentry resources including housing, employment, food, transportation, healthcare, and family services by zip code.
Find Local Resources →A practical guide for families covering housing, employment, ID documents, finances, community support, and more — written for family members supporting someone coming home.
Read the Guide →The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers guidance for individuals with mental health conditions returning from incarceration, and for the families supporting them.
Read NAMI's Guide →From legal information to financial assistance, these resources address the full scope of challenges families face.
If you have concerns about your loved one's treatment, sentence, or legal case, contact your state's Legal Aid Society or the ACLU's National Prison Project. Many offer free consultations for low-income families.
Find legal aid near you →Prison-related expenses — phone calls, commissary, transportation — add up fast. Organizations like Families Against Mandatory Minimums and local community action agencies can sometimes help with financial strain.
Find local help (211) →Many facilities offer GED, vocational training, and college courses — and Pell Grants are again available to incarcerated students through the federal Second Chance Pell program. Encourage your loved one to pursue these opportunities; they improve outcomes significantly.
Prison education programs →Each state's Department of Corrections (and the Federal Bureau of Prisons) maintains official visiting rules, inmate locator tools, and scheduling information online. Always verify details with the facility directly.
Federal Bureau of Prisons →Many facilities use third-party services for calls, video visits, and messages — ViaPath (formerly GTL), Securus, and JPay are the most common. Check which one your facility uses, then create an account to add funds and schedule video visits from home.
If you are having trouble locating someone, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has an online inmate locator. Most state DOC websites also offer searchable inmate databases, and county jails typically maintain their own records.
BOP inmate locator →