Unfortunately, the prison industrial system is continuing to increase and place more folks in prison every day. According to statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, there were about 5,520 reported cases of violent crimes and 27,868 incidents of property crimes in Oakland, California in 2019. If you have a loved one locked up, you may wonder how you can support them in such a situation. Read on for insight about how to do so.
Maintain Contact
Being separated by prison bars doesn’t mean you’ll never see or communicate with your family or friends in jail. Sure, you won’t see them at home daily or meet up for coffee, but you can keep in touch. You can visit them at designated times; call ahead for the visitor schedule since different prisons may have different rules. If in-person visits aren’t feasible for you, phone calls and letters are easier to manage. Just be mindful that calls to and from the prison are monitored and recorded by staff.
Put Money on Books
While it’s true that prisoners have three meals a day and a place to sleep, it may not always be enough. Prison food isn’t known for being healthy, so your loved one may lack nutrients after only a short time there. Luckily, you can put money in their account, also known as their books, so they can buy extra things. The commissary has snacks and other personal care items they may usually buy at home.
Help With Legal Issues
Did you know an innocent person could sit in jail because they haven’t gone to trial yet? In some cases, it can take months or years to do so. According to DrakeInstitute.org, more than half of women in local jails are awaiting trial and have not been convicted. Depending on your loved one’s situation, they may need your assistance. You can find a good lawyer or help their existing legal team with information relevant to the trial. You may even serve as a character witness that can help the case.
Remember Holidays and Birthdays
Holidays and birthdays can be emotional, especially when away from family and friends. According to the Crime Report, almost 60% of state prisoners served sentences of 10 years or longer in 2019 – an 11% jump from the previous decade. Imagine missing over a decade of Christmases and Thanksgivings. The situation is harder when children are involved. You can send care packages any time of year to someone incarcerated, and the holidays or their birthday may be the perfect time to do so. Involve the kids and have them make cards or gifts for the parent in jail.
Keep Them in the Loop
Years in prison can pass by. It’s easy for people that were once close to no longer feel like they no longer know each other with too much time apart. When you make contact, keep them in the loop of what’s happening in your home life and with the rest of the family. Did their child make the high school sports team or the Honor Roll? Is a good friend or another family member sick? Make sure they know what’s going on. Unless the person is serving a life sentence, they’ll be released one day. Their transition back to the real world can be easier when they stay in the loop of what’s happening outside.
Prison is hard on the person locked up, as well as the loved ones left behind. However, there are ways to help them and stay in touch. Whether you send a letter or a care package or take the time to visit, you can assist someone you love in jail.