We are an online site that lists profiles of inmates interested in corresponding with people who are not incarcerated. Only adults over the age of 18 are permitted to use these services. If you are under 18, please exit our website now.
Why should I write an inmate?There are many reasons why you may want to write an inmate. A lot of our visitors come here looking for companionship. Others decide to write an inmate as a form of ministry work. We encourage our visitors to pursue friendship. Inmates have a great need for positive friendships and you will likely find great satisfaction knowing you are making a difference in a prisoner’s life.
Do I have to pay to access this site?Inmates pay a fee to have their profiles listed on our site. The only cost to you is the cost of corresponding (paper, postage, etc.)
Can I send an email to an inmate?Most state facilities utilize an email service through jpay.com. Federal prisons often use an email service called corrlinks.com. Emails are sometimes printed and hand delivered to inmates, which is why you should provide a physical mailing address so the inmate has a way to write you back. There is usually a small fee for these services (Jpay currently charges the cost of one postage stamp for each full page of typewritten text.)
Are there any stipulations I should be aware of in sending correspondence to an inmate?Most prison facilities do not allow glitter or stickers to be included in their correspondence. Return address labels are usually an exception. If you are sending a card, be sure there is no glitter on the cards. Also, no paper clips or staples. You can send pictures if you like, but be sure that there is no nudity, firearms or alcohol showing in the pictures. Every prison is likely to have different restrictions on what you are allowed to send to an inmate through the mail. If you make a personal decision and wish to send something to send an inmate, you should check with the facility’s guidelines on their website or by calling the facility’s mail room.
Can an inmate email me back?Some prisons give inmates access to email, while others do not. If you email an inmate, include your mailing address in the email to ensure a response.
Do I have to give an inmate pen pal my mailing address?No. But if you would like to receive a letter back from the inmate, they will need an address to mail their letters to - whether it is a home, business or P.O. Box. Inmates do not always have access to send email.
Is it safe to correspond with an inmate?There is a risk to meeting anyone through an online service. Our experience has found this service to be a great program to lift the morale of both the inmates and the people that write them. We encourage you to do your research on an inmate and only provide a return address that is at your level of comfort.
What do I do if I want to end a pen pal relationship?If you change your mind and no longer wish to correspond with an inmate, the best thing to do is to let the inmate know your decision. If an inmate continues to write you against your wishes, you should contact the facility in which they are incarcerated and express your concerns.
How can I look up an inmate’s criminal history?Information on inmates incarcerated in federal prisons can be found at https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/. Inmates held in state prisons can be found in that state’s correctional justice system website. Websites for state prisons are listed at the bottom of this page. (Note that website addresses could change. If you cannot find the information you are looking for in the links below, please conduct your own online search for a state’s website.)