Families of Prisoners Support Group
This community is dedicated to families that have been disrupted by prison. Having a loved one incarcerated or having been incarcerated comes with its own unique challenges that require support and understanding. Join the group to find others who know what you're going through, and to seek advice or share your experience.
Hey guys! It's been a while since I've been on here since I've been working and just visiting my husband since he's been in jail. He was recently moved to San Quentin State Prison for reception. I heard he can be there anywhere from 2-5 months before he gets transferred to his actual prison with no phone calls and possibly no visiting depending on how long it takes me to get approved. Does anyone have any experience with this process? How do you cope with it? How does mail work? Does he have to send me a visiting form before I can visit him. I'd love some insight and stories that'll put my mind at ease until I can finally reunite with my love.
This learning curve has been fast and intense for me! In Idaho, the visitation application is a PDF on the prison's web site. (so are the rules and expectations) Inhighly recommend putting it in as soon as possible. When you are approved, they tell him and he tells you.
Once he was entered into the system, I had a unit to add to the address to send mail. It took a few days but he did finally receive it. As soon as he was on the site for me to put money on his books, I did. I had to call first which carries a greater processing fee. With money, he was able to order stamps and paper. He had access to a phone in the RDU but talking time was very short. There was no visitation for us.
Nothing goes fast in the system and it can get expensive. I cried a A LOT and wrote very long letters. I ate junk food and vegged out with tv and books. I tried to stay busy and find things to be grateful for. I visited my therapist and talked with my support groups. I prayed all the time. I posted to this site a lot, too.
Best wishes and blessing!