Loneliness is one of the hardest parts of incarceration, especially for young people who are cut off from their communities and support systems. Many young people in detention can go days or weeks without a personal message, a meaningful conversation, or even a reminder that someone on the outside is thinking of them.
Disclaimer: We strive to keep the information on this page accurate and up to date. However, programs and requirements can change, and we may not always be aware of those changes immediately. If you notice any outdated or incorrect information, or if you have suggestions for additional resources we should include, please reach out to your community's Resources and Opportunities (R&O) manager to make them aware of the changes needed.
Finding Information on a Young Person's Incarceration
MD Case Search - Search on a person's name (or case number) to identify facility location, court history and upcoming dates, charge, attorney name, case number, sentence, etc (it is helpful to filter on date of birth)
Inmate Locator - Search on a young person's name and will provide SID# and facility location.
Vine Link - a search on name, case number, or ID# provides the custody record (including facility location) and upcoming court cases and specifics. It is possible to sign up for email/text notifcations for upcoming court events and changes in custody.
If the young person is a minor, you will not be able to find their information online due to confidentiality laws. If you have questions about how to support a minor who is incarcerated, please reach out to your community's R&O manager for support.
Connecting with a Young Person During their Incarceration
Getting Out App- Send text messages ($0.20 /message), make phone calls, schedule video visits. Need inmate # and facility.
Online Postcards - Send messages and photos as postcards that are prepared electronically. Price as low as $0.79/postcard. This tool is useful for young people lacking access to the Getting Out app.
Penpals - Thread has started a penpal program to communicate with our young people behind bars. Contact Beverly Purnell to get involved: beverly.purnell@thread.org.
Books - To provide entertainment, education, and self-help through reading, Thread can order books to send to our incarcerated young people. Contact the facility to ascertain rules, such as paperback, book restrictions (specific titles and number of books), approval process (warden may need to approve titles), and allowed companies for book shipment (Amazon vs. specific publisher). Allow 1 book per month. Best to confirm the book title is not controversial/banned at the facility.
Money - Check with the young person to see what vendor (Access Corrections, Connect Network GTL, etc) is used to transfer money at the facility. Thread Guidelines allow for a maximum of $30 a month for commissary. Your community's R&O Manager should arrange these payments. Note that vendors and banks charge extra fees so it is preferable to send as a single monthly payment (with the need for the young person to budget).
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