The Calhoun Correctional Institution (Calhoun CI) in the Florida Department of Corrections system is currently assisting the United Sates Forestry Service in developing future hunters by having inmates build hunting blinds. These hunting blinds will be used by families and disabled people who are hunters. The United States Forestry…

The Texas Legislature is currently reviewing the mission and performance of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Board of Pardons and Paroles, Correctional Managed Health Care Committee, and the Windham School District. Texas state law requires that these annual reviews be performed under the Texas Sunset Act.

The Illinois Correctional Industries (ICI) at Menard Correctional Center was honored as the recipient of a 2011 GGCC Green Governments award. The award was presented by Governor Pat Quinn in a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion on December 17. The Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council (GGCC) recognizes environmental lead…

The Florida DOC has announced that they will be closing prisons and work camps. These closures are due to the fact that there have been considerably fewer admissions and an excess of bed space within the prisons. Seven prisons will be closed and four work camps will be closed by July 1, 2012. There will be no shortened sentences for…

In late 2011, the Virginia Department of Corrections and Department of Educational Corrections unveiled a new green jobs training program to help current prisoners gain skills needed to work in the booming green energy industry upon their exit from incarceration. The new program will be hosted at the Indian Creek Correctional Cente…

Writing to an inmate is not as simple as simply writing a letter, stamping an envelope, and taking it to the post office. Prison systems across the United States have strict rules about what can be sent to an inmate. Not following these rules can simply mean that the intended recipient will never read what you have written to them. …

Visiting a loved one in prison is an important aspect of being a family member of an inmate. Being imprisoned can affect a prisoner in ways unimaginable and visiting them will help them cope and keep their spirits up. It is important to know that loved ones take the time to visit. While also being beneficial to the inmates' e…

Keeping in contact with a family member or friend in prison is important for both sides of the equation. Visiting, writing, and speaking to an inmate will help keep their spirits up and make the time they are serving easier for them emotionally. It will also benefit you by keeping in contact with them and knowing that they are in go…

Searching for a family member prisoner has never been easier thanks to the internet. Most states' Department of Corrections websites have an inmate search function. Reconnecting with family members and friends in prison offer emotional benefits for you and the inmate and help the inmate serve their time more peacefully. It also …