20. The cost to renew a profile is $50. Simply complete this form, and we will get them listed and started:Books Behind Bars - Add a Listing. We respond to every letter that comes into our office, and our goal is to get inmates who dont want to be listed off as soon as possible to help free up pen-pals for inmates who need them. No. ", "Study reveals potential value of prison pen pals", "Pen pal is powerful boost to prisoner wellbeing", "The Recovery Benefits of Being a Prison Pen Pal: How the WriteAPrisoner community helps prisoners feel connected and inspires sobriety", "New Documentary Examines Controversial Conviction of 'San Antonio Four' Amidst Satanic Ritual Panic", "Canadian with 160-year prison sentence in U.S. back in Canada as a free man", "Police blotter: Prison inmate wants personal ad replies", "Frank S. Clement vs. California Dept. P.O. I believe postal mail has gone missing or is lost. [44] In considering legislation which would prohibit inmates from utilizing social media such as Facebook, officials in South Carolina made a point to exclude WriteAPrisoner.com from the bill, citing WriteAPrisoner.com's vetting process of inmates' information and the fact that it does not provide a mechanism for Internet contact for inmates. If you don't hear back from the inmate, use our Inmate Locator to verify that the inmate's address hasn't changed. Because the business is housed online and includes inmate profiles, it has been compared to social media;[7] however, most agencies recognize it as promoting traditional pen-pal postal mail because the site provides no mechanism for inmates to access the site online. This is the Department of Corrections number, Federal Inmate Number, or County Prisoner Number; depending on what type of facility in which the inmate is housed. 21. Renewals can be made at any time. Im getting good friends and now have something to look forward to at mail call, which is very important for someone serving a life sentence. [2][3], There are approximately 17,000 inmates profiled on the site, most of whom are incarcerated in the United States; however, the site also includes international inmates. However, for full disclosure, viewers are encouraged to visit the DOC, Federal, or County website using the link provided on each inmate's profile. Additionally, an inmate's account cannot be funded anonymously. You must be at least 18 years of age to even be viewing this website. Edgewater, FL 32132-0010 USA. Meeting people from all walks of life helps to break up the monotony of prison reality. There have situations in the past, where an inmate's parent or spouse would call the prison upset because they were not contacted about an emergency involving their incarcerated loved one. I feel like I owe them my life. In many cases multiple copies of a single title can be used in a prison classroom. The Department of Corrections (DOC) understands and encourages communication with a family member or friend who is incarcerated. Its been helpful getting to know people outside of prison. [43] An Arizona law that barred inmates from posting profiles on WriteAPrisoner.com and similar websites was struck down after the ACLU challenged it in court. 753, or 18 U.S.C. You, the public, can write to inmates free of charge after you complete our registration. Tue 18 Apr 2023 02.00 EDT. [42] The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit also found that inmates have the constitutional right to seek pen pals through websites. Writs of Habeas Corpus & Special Requests for Production No. It can be a lot of fun communicating with these, The inmates listed are convicted felons and caution should be used. If minor children are on an inmates visiting list, these children MUST be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.Our For Family and Friends page provides extensive details and resourcesabout visiting incarcerated individuals. You can email or mail the photo along with the inmate's complete name, mailing address, and any specific instructions to: Option 2) WriteAPrisoner.com They sometimes outright lie to get money sent to them. PRISONFRIENDSHIP - Write A Prisoner - Prison Pen Pals WriteAPrisoner.com, Inc. | Better Business Bureau Profile If you have a question or an area of concern not addressed in these topics, please use the Contact Us icon below to connect withDOC staff directly.In additional to this information, common questions DOC is often asked are here and may also be helpful. P.O. Once this is returned to us, the profile is removed. Option 2) Make Changes to an Inmate Profile - Complete this form if you would like to make changes, additions, or edits to an inmate profile currently listed live on WriteAPrisoner.com. Please help by spreading the word. DOC officials do not discuss inmate transfers to home facilities before they take place. They are combined with other required fees. You, the viewer, can then select which prisoners you would like to correspond with, both men andwomen, after viewing personal (interests, goals, etc.) You can add inmate Pen-pal and Legal Profiles here and make changes to existing profiles and renew profiles. Many inmates are indigent, and we fully understand that they may ask people on the outside for money once correspondence is established. Option 5) Purchase WriteAPrisoner.com Credit for an Existing Inmate Profile - Complete this form if you would like to purchase WriteAPrisoner.com credit for an inmate currently listed on our website. This site is designed to quickly and easily connect you with inmates whose backgrounds and interests may inspire you to pick up a pen and become pen pals with them.