Contacting a Loved One That’s Incarcerated

by Jimmy Kansela, co-op student

Staying in touch with a loved one who has been incarcerated can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time navigating the system. The first step is confirming where they are being held- whether in a local jail, provincial/state facility, or federal institution. Each location has its own rules, so identifying the correct facility helps you understand what communication options are.

Once you know the facility, review its specific guidelines for phone calls, mail, and visitation. Most institutions allow letters, monitored phone calls, and either in-person or video visits, but each has restrictions what can be sent, how calls are placed, and how visits are scheduled. Incarcerated individuals generally cannot receive incoming calls, so families must set up accounts with the facility’s approved phone system and follow all identification and security requirements.

Mail and visitation are the most reliable ways to maintain connection and offer support. When sending letters, always include the inmates full name, id number, and the exact facility address.

If your loved one is facing active charges, maintaining contact through their attorney is also critical. Legal communication is confidential and make sure that important details about their case, court dates, and rights are protected. A lawyer can not only facilitate proper communication, but also help families understand what to expect at each stage of the legal process, offering reassurance during a rather stressful time for everyone.

 If there is an emergency, like a serious illness, injury, or death in an inmate’s family, the superintendent or another person in charge can give the inmate permission to use the phone. In these situations, the prison will pay for the call so the inmate can get important information right away.

Normally, inmates are allowed to use the phone system for up to five hours each day. This gives them time to stay in touch with family, friends, or other important people. But if an emergency happens, the prison can let them use the phone even more so they can deal with the situation. There is also a rule that all calls on the pay phones can only last 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the call will automatically stop. This rule helps make sure everyone gets a fair chance to use the phones.

 Keeping in touch regularly really helps your loved one feel calmer and more supported. Talking to them through calls, letters, or visits reminds them that you’re still there for them, and that can make a big difference in how they handle everything.

If you’re confused about the rules at the facility or what rights they have, a lawyer can explain things in a way that’s easy to understand. They can help you figure out what you’re allowed to do and what steps you should take so you can support your loved one without feeling lost or stressed.

Algoma treatment and Remand center

 800 Great Northern Rd.

Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 0B5

705-946-0995

Brockville jail

 10 Wall St. Brockville, ON K6V 4R9

613-341-2870

Central east correctional center

 541 Hwy 36, Box 4500

Lindsay, ON K9V 4S6

705-328-6000

Central north correctional center

 1501 Fuller Ave.
Penetanguishene, ON L9M 2H4

705-549-9770

Elgin-Middlesex detention center

 711 Exeter Rd.
London, ON N6E 1L3

519-686-1922

Fort Frances jail

310 Nelson St.
Fort Frances, ON P9A 1B1

807-274-7708

Hamilton-Wentworth Detention center

 165 Barton St. E.
Hamilton, ON L8L 2W6

905-523-8800

Kenora Jail

 1430 River St.
Kenora, ON P9N 1K5

807-468-2871

Maplehurst correctional Complex

  661 Martin St., Box 10
Milton, ON L9T 2Y3

905-878-8141

Central south correctional center

 160 Horner Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 0C2

416-354-4030

Vanier Center for women

655 Martin St. Box 1040
Milton, ON L9T 5E6

905-876-8300

St. Lawrence Valley Correctional Centre

1804 Hwy 2 E., P.O. Box 8000, Brockville, ON K6V 7N2

613-341-2870

Sudbury jail

 181 Elm St W.
Sudbury, ON P3C 1T8

705-564-4150

Thunder Bay jail

 2351 Highway 61 South
Thunder Bay, ON P7C 4Y4

807-345-7364

Stratford jail

 30 St. Andrew St.
Stratford, ON N5A 1A3

519-271-2180

North bay jail

 2550 Trout Lake Rd.
North Bay, ON P1B 7S7

705-472-8115

South West Detention center

 4819 8th Concession Rd, Windsor, ON N0R 1K0

519-967-1300

Sarnia jail

 700 Christina St. N. Sarnia, ON N7V 3C2

705-472-8115

Quinte Detention center

 89 Richmond Blvd.
Napanee, ON K7R 3S1

613-354-9701

Ottawa-Carleton detention center

2244 Innes Rd.
Ottawa, ON K1B 4C4

613-824-6080

Niagara Detention Center

 Hwy 58, 1355 Uppers Lane, Box 1050
Thorold, ON L2V 4A6

905-227-6321

Ontario Correctional Institute

 109 McLaughlin Rd. S.
Brampton, ON L6Y 2C8

905-457-7050