Phone Calls With Incarcerated Loved Ones in Canada
Receiving phone calls from inmates in federal institutions in Canada.
Why are phone calls so important?
Phone calls are a vital lifeline for incarcerated individuals, helping them stay connected to family, maintain emotional well-being, and prepare for successful reintegration into the community.
How to Get On An Inmate’s Phone List
It may take some time for your loved one to add you to their phone list. Delays can occur while they complete intake at their home institution, set up their accounts, or receive funds for phone access. - Don’t stress!
An incarcerated person can call you from the institution but you cannot call them directly.
In order for them to be able to call you, they must submit a request form and wait for it to be approved.
Part of the approval process is that someone from the institution will call you at the number provided by the inmate and will confirm you want to be added to their call list. During this call, they will ask if you know someone at XYZ Institution, what your relationship is with them and if you give consent to be called by them.
Keep your phone with you and make sure you don’t miss this call. After a certain number of attempts, if the confirmation call is missed, your loved one will have to resubmit the request.
Phone Time Limits in Federal Institutions
Each institution and even each security level has specific time limits for phone calls, usually 20 or 30 minutes per call.
At a certain time point near the end of the time limit, an automated voice will inform the inmate that their time is ending and at the cut off time, the phone will automatically hang up.
It’s important to note that telephone systems do not allow 3-way calling. If it detects a 3-way call, the phone will automatically disconnect. This system is not always as intelligent, from experience, talking on your Bluetooth in your car, then switching to your phone, can trigger the phone system to think it’s a 3-way call and disconnect your call.
How to Pay for Phone Calls
The inmate can add money to their phone account using funds from their savings/trust account. See sending money.
Inmates can also make collect calls, with the cost being charged to the approved person they are calling. An automated system will request acceptance of the charges before the call connects.
Helpful tips for phone calls with an inmate in Canada:
Depending on your relationship, there are a few things you can keep in mind to help make phone calls with your loved one more positive and effective. Below are some helpful tips gathered from both families/friends and incarcerated individuals.
Be patient and understanding - Prison life can be stressful, try to listen without judgement and with empathy
Stay positive - Share news, life events, etc.
Avoid overwhelming topics - They are in prison and most of the time cannot help with “outside” problems, share mindfully
Plan your calls - Time is limited for phone calls, we recommend writing down key things you want to share so you don’t forget
Save important conversations - Save important topics/questions for visitation or Private Family Visits, the last thing you want is to be in a deep conversation and have the phone hang up
Remember that calls are possibly monitored and recorded - While you may want more information on something that was said, they may not be able to divulge that information to you
Lockdowns - If you haven’t heard from your loved one in a while or on a day when they promised they’d call, there may be a lockdown at the institution. These can range from a few hours to a couple or even several days. Reassure yourself that your loved one will call you once the lockdown is over and they’re able to access the phone.
Still have questions about phone calls?
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