Guides
Guides and answers for families.
Plain-English help with federal prison communication: texting, CorrLinks, photos, letters and staying in touch.
- Federal inmate texting
- How to contact a federal inmate
- Inmate text apps compared
- Where replies show up
- Free trial
- Parakeet alternative
CorrLinks Alternatives: What Families Can Use Instead
If CorrLinks isn't working for your family, here are practical alternatives for messaging an incarcerated person, plus what to check before you switch. Read guideHow to Email Federal Inmates: A Straight Answer
Federal inmates don't get regular email, but you can send electronic messages through the BOP's system or a private service like InmateDB. Read guideHow Federal Inmates Send Emails: A Family’s Guide
Federal inmates don't send email directly. Messages go through approved systems, and families need to know what that looks like day to day. Read guideInmate Messaging vs Video Calls: What Families Need to Know
Messaging and video calls serve different purposes. Here's how to choose what works for your family and your budget. Read guideApp to Talk to Inmates: What Families Need to Know
A straight answer about apps that let you talk to an incarcerated person, plus what to expect and how to pick one. Read guideFast Inmate Email Service: What to Expect and How to Choose
A fast inmate email service usually means quick processing on your end, but delivery speed depends on the facility. Here's what to expect. Read guideInmate Tablet Messaging Apps: What Families Should Know
A plain-English comparison of how inmate tablet messaging apps work, what they cost, and what families can realistically expect. Read guideBest Way to Contact Inmates Online: A Family Guide
The most reliable way to contact an inmate online is through a messaging service that delivers directly to the facility. Read guideDigital Inmate Communication Services: A Family Guide
Digital inmate communication services let you send messages, photos, and letters online. Here's what families should expect and where to start. Read guideThey’re waiting to hear from you.
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