Staying Connected: How Phone Calls Help Prisoners Rebuild Lives

In the world of criminal justice and rehabilitation, staying connected is an essential part of an inmate’s journey. For those in prison, keeping in touch with family and friends is a lifeline that helps them stay grounded, supported, and motivated. Among the different ways inmates can communicate with the outside world, phone calls are one of the most important. They offer a chance to maintain relationships, receive emotional support, and prepare for life after release.

However, the cost and availability of phone calls have been a concern for many. Historically, the cost of calling from jail has been very high, which can make it difficult for inmates to stay in touch with loved ones. But things are starting to change. Efforts to make phone calls cheaper and easier for inmates are growing, which is making a big difference in their ability to reconnect with the world beyond prison walls.

Why Inmate Phone Calls Matter

In prison, isolation can take a toll on a person’s mental and emotional health. For inmates, regular phone calls with family and friends can help reduce this sense of isolation. They provide emotional support, comfort, and the feeling that life is continuing outside of prison. Without these connections, inmates can feel cut off from everything they know, which can make their time in prison even harder to cope with.

But phone calls do more than just provide emotional support—they’re also practical. Inmates often use phone calls to talk to their lawyers, arrange for their release, or make plans for when they leave prison. Staying in touch with the outside world helps them prepare for life after incarceration, ensuring they have the necessary support to start over.

Barriers to Accessing Inmate Phone Calls

Even though phone calls are important, accessing them hasn’t always been easy. In the past, the cost of prison phone calls has been very high, making it difficult for inmates and their families to afford regular communication. Some phone calls could cost more than $5 for just 15 minutes, which is a significant amount for families who may already be struggling financially.

In addition to high costs, the process of making phone calls has often been complicated. Setting up an account, dealing with restrictions on who can be called, and following other rules made it harder for inmates to stay in touch. These barriers created frustration for both the inmates and their families, who just wanted to keep in contact.

Changing the System: Efforts to Improve Inmate Calling

Recognising the importance of communication in helping inmates rebuild their lives, there have been efforts to make prison phone calls more affordable and accessible. Some laws have been passed to regulate the cost of calls and reduce high fees. For example, the FCC now has the power to control the rates of prison phone calls, aiming to make them more affordable for inmates and their families.

On top of legislative changes, new technologies are helping to improve the phone call experience for inmates. Some prisons have started using smart card systems that make it easier for inmates to make calls. These systems are more user-friendly and help ensure calls are secure while also making the process more transparent and accessible for families.

How Cheap Phone Calls from Jail Help Rehabilitate Inmates

Affordable phone calls from jail are not just a luxury—they are essential for rehabilitation. When inmates can stay in regular contact with their families, they are less likely to feel isolated or depressed. Having that support can make a big difference in helping them maintain a positive outlook and focus on their rehabilitation.

In addition to offering emotional support, affordable phone calls help reduce recidivism, or the tendency to re-offend after release. Studies have shown that inmates who maintain strong connections with family members are more likely to stay out of trouble after they are released. This shows just how important it is for inmates to stay connected with their loved ones during their time in prison.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Inmate Calling

The future of inmate phone calls is becoming brighter as more reforms are put in place. Legislative changes and new technologies are making it easier for inmates to stay in touch with their families and get the support they need. As more focus is placed on affordable and accessible communication, inmates will have a better chance to successfully re-enter society once they are released.

Conclusion

In conclusion, phone calls play a critical role in helping prisoners rebuild their lives. They provide emotional support, help inmates prepare for their future, and strengthen the ties that keep them connected to the outside world. While the system has had its challenges, reforms and new technologies are making it easier for inmates to stay connected with loved ones. For those interested in learning more about how inmate calling works and how it can help, Prison Engine offers useful resources and information.