Care Packages for Inmates: A Comprehensive Guide

Published February 18, 2024

If you have a loved one in jail, you know how hard it is to show your affection for them. You don’t get to visit or call them as often as you want. And it may be frustrating. It’s a good thing that sending a care package can help. 

A care package is a genuine gesture of showing love for someone incarcerated. We now know better than everyone that support is what keeps them going. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about inmate care packages. We hope to share awareness of how this act can help transform inmates’ lives. We hope to make them realize that they are still valued. And that the world is waiting for them. Let’s start. 

What Are Care Packages for Inmates?

Care packages for inmates are special packages that can be sent to incarcerated individuals by their loved ones. These packages typically include approved items. Such items are food, snacks, personal hygiene products, and occasional clothing or books. They provide a way for family and friends to show support and maintain a connection with loved ones in lock-ups. 

Why You Need To Send Care Packages for Inmates?

1. Maintaining connection 

Care packages serve as a tangible connection to the outside world. It helps inmates feel remembered and cared for by their loved ones. 

2. Providing essentials and comforts 

Some care packages have essentials like toiletries. Such items may not be readily available or are of lower quality in prison. They can also include comfort items like snacks and books. Also, hobby-related items. The latter can improve the inmate’s quality of life. 

3. Supporting rehabilitation

Care packages can play a vital role in supporting an inmate’s rehabilitation. They can give educational materials. In doing so, they encourage ongoing learning. Also, personal development. 

4. Aiding mental health 

Receiving a care package can boost animate’s morale. It has the potential to alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression. 

5. Financial support

Care packages can also render financial support. These often include money for commissary purchases. 

How To Send Care Packages for Inmates?

Due to security concerns in jails and prisons, it’s no longer approved for friends and family to send care packages directly to inmates. Conversely, it has become common practice for prisons to craft contracts with certain care package providers. Loved ones can contact these providers to send a gift to an inmate. 

Care Packages for Inmates: How Often Can an Inmate Receive Care Packages?

Regulations differ between jurisdictions. Thus, it’s best to check with prison management to determine how often an inmate can receive this thoughtful present. Most only permit prisoners to receive one package per quarter. Moreover, correctional facilities usually only contract with specific care packages provided. Thus, if you order a package from another company that is not approved, it’s likely not to be delivered. Contact the prison where the inmate is being held. It will help you rule out providers that are authorized to use. 

What Comes in a Care Package for Inmates?

Each item in the package is carefully picked to meet prison regulations. They run the gamut from items crafted to render entertainment and distraction to useful everyday things. 

A care package might have coffee, candy, meats, and seafood. Personal hygiene products are also often included. Some inmates can also enjoy shoes, sweats, or underwear in care packages. Occasionally, guitar picks, headphones, art supplies, and books can be sent too. 

Where To Order Care Packages for Inmates?

Putting together a care package yourself is an endearing gesture. Yet, doing so can run the risk of including something in it that is against the jail. Also, it is off-limits to the prison’s rules and regulations. 

Before your loved one receives this kind gesture, an officer will thoroughly examine it. Only approved items will be passed along. Using a supplier is a simple and convenient alternative to creating your care package. 

1. Access Securepak 

One of the best places to buy a care package is Access Catalog’s Access Securepak. The company serves facilities in all 50 states. It makes it incredibly hassle-free to go online and pick out the perfect care bundle for a loved one in jail. They partner with jails and prisons to guarantee jailers are given safe and meaningful gifts. You can send food and snacks, personal hygiene products, electronics, and clothing with it. 

All items available abide by the prison rules and regulations. It doesn’t have to be scanned. It did not need to be dug through upon arrival at the facility. Loved ones can pay for everything on the website. 

2. MyCarePack 

Mycarepack.com is another inmate care package supplier. They also collaborate with jails and prisons to render inmates safe and secure gifts. Similar to Access Securepak, you ought to visit their website. Then, input the state and facility where the inmate is located and decide the items you’d like to add. After setting it all up, you will select the inmate’s information to know it will be sent to the right person. 

MyCarePack is also a great supplier as it allows you to select items like candy, coffee, condiments, phone cards, medicine,e, etc. It even has pre-stamped envelopes and phone cards. Pretty unique. 

3. JPay Inmate Care Packages 

Jpay is a company also associated with jails and prisons. It delivers inmate services such as money transfer, email, video visitation, music, and education. They do not offer conventional inmate care packages with snacks and magazines. Instead, they give friends and family of inmates away to connect with them and show their support electronically.