Resources

Helpful links for families & loved ones

Custody alerts, ways to put money on the books, video visits and messaging, and the government programs that help with reentry, legal help, and victim services. Confirm with the facility which providers it actually uses before creating an account or sending money.

Custody alerts & notifications

Free services that tell you when custody status changes.

VINELink ↗Search custody status and register for free alerts about release, transfer, and court events in participating jurisdictions Federal inmate locator ↗Official Bureau of Prisons search for people in federal custody Register for VINE alerts ↗Sign up by phone, email, or text so you are notified automatically

Money on the books & commissary

Facilities contract with different companies. Check the facility’s own website first — sending funds through the wrong provider can delay or lose the deposit.

Access Corrections ↗Deposits and secure services for supported agencies ConnectNetwork ↗Trust deposits, messaging, and phone accounts JPay ↗Money transfer, email, video, and media services Inmate Canteen ↗Commissary ordering and deposits at participating jails TouchPay ↗Kiosk, phone, and online deposits JailATM ↗Deposits, messaging, and commissary at participating jails Western Union ↗Accepted by many agencies for inmate trust deposits Securus ↗Phone, video, messaging, and account services

Fraud warning. Never pay someone who contacts you claiming they can release an inmate, speed up a case, or guarantee a delivery. Deposits go only through the provider named on the facility’s official website.

Video visits, calls & messaging

Availability depends entirely on the facility. Search for the facility inside the app before paying for anything.

Ameelio ↗Nonprofit video calls, messaging, and free letters at participating facilities GettingOut ↗Video visits, messaging, and deposits ICSolutions ↗Phone and video visitation for participating facilities Securus Video Connect ↗Scheduled and on-demand video visits where offered Federal visiting rules (BOP) ↗Official visitation policy, approval process, and video visit information Ameelio Connect — App Store ↗iPhone and iPad Ameelio Connect — Google Play ↗Android JPay — App Store ↗iPhone and iPad

Check participation first. A provider’s app may exist nationwide while your facility uses a different one, or none at all. The facility’s own website lists its contracted provider.

Reentry, benefits & support

Official government programs for people coming home and the families supporting them.

National Reentry Resource Center ↗U.S. Department of Justice hub for reentry programs and state-by-state help Social Security reentry help ↗Restarting benefits and replacing a Social Security card after release Benefits.gov ↗Official screener for federal benefit programs American Job Centers ↗U.S. Department of Labor — free in-person job help, including for people with a record Veterans Justice Outreach ↗VA support for veterans in the justice system SAMHSA National Helpline ↗Free, confidential treatment referrals, 24/7 — 1-800-662-4357 211 local assistance ↗Food, housing, transport, and utility help by ZIP code Find legal aid ↗Legal Services Corporation directory of free civil legal help

Victim services

Support and rights information for victims and survivors, independent of the case status.

Office for Victims of Crime ↗Federal victim assistance, compensation, and rights information Victim help in your state ↗State compensation programs and local assistance offices National Domestic Violence Hotline ↗24/7 confidential support — 1-800-799-7233 RAINN ↗National sexual assault hotline and support — 1-800-656-4673

In an emergency, call 911. If you feel unsafe or believe someone under supervision is violating their conditions, contact local law enforcement or the supervising agency rather than approaching them.