Federal Prison Phone Calls: One Simple “Next Call” Tip

Federal prison phone calls always seem to end with that dreaded voice…

“You have one minute remaining.”

Ugggg… that voice! If you have ever received one of those limited federal prison phone calls, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It always seems to come on right when you are in the middle of something important… or before you have told them half of what you wanted to say.

Then you hang up and immediately think…

“Ohhhh no… I forgot to tell them!”

It happens to all of us, which is why I wanted to share this simple little tip.

Start a “Next Call” List

Open the notes app on your phone and create a note called “Next Call.”

Whenever something pops into your head that you need to tell your loved one, ask them about or remind them to do… add it to the list.

It might be something as simple as:

• Share a positive update.
• Remind them to send a copy of their TEAM Meeting paperwork home.
• Tell them about new BOP updates.
• Ask whether they need you to check on anything.
• Share family news.
• Follow up on something discussed during the last call.

If something is time-sensitive, put a little ⭐ beside it so you remember to discuss it first.

You do not need to turn the entire call into a checklist or some type of business meeting. LOL. Our loved ones need normal conversations, laughter, encouragement and a chance to feel connected to home too.

The list is just there to help when the phone rings unexpectedly and everything you planned to say suddenly flies right out of your head.

Make Your Federal Prison Phone Calls Count

Many people in federal prison receive limited phone minutes per month, although the amount and access can vary. That may sound like a lot at first… until you realize those minutes have to be spread between spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends and everyone else they are trying to stay connected with.

We also have to remember what may be happening on their side of the phone.

Sometimes our loved ones stand in line for an hour just to make a 10- or 15-minute call. There may be only two or three working phones available to serve hundreds of people. They may wait all that time, finally reach the phone and then have only a few minutes to hear the voices of the people they love.

Meanwhile, we may answer while cooking dinner, working, shopping, helping the kids or trying to handle ten other things at once.

I have been there too… life on the outside does not stop just because the phone rings.

But when possible, try to pause, take a breath and be present. Those few minutes may mean more to your loved one than you realize.

And then, just when you finally settle into the conversation…

“You have one minute remaining.”

There is that voice again. Ugggg!

Make a Quick Note After the Call Too

After the call ends, take a minute to write down anything you agreed to check on, send or follow up about.

Did they ask you to look up a new BOP policy? Contact someone? Check on paperwork? Send a document? Ask a family member a question?

Add it to the same note while it is still fresh in your mind. This can keep important details from becoming lost between calls… especially when you are already juggling everything else happening at home.

This Can Help More Than Prison Families

Although FIRST-Network primarily works with individuals and families affected by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, this tip can help anyone who has limited or unpredictable communication with someone they love.

A “Next Call” list can also be helpful if your loved one is:

• In a state prison or county jail
• Away on military deployment
• Working or living overseas
• In a long-distance relationship
• Receiving inpatient medical treatment
• Anywhere with limited access to a phone or the internet

Whenever communication time is limited, a simple running list can help you remember the important things… while still leaving plenty of room for the conversations that make you both smile.

Let FIRST-Network Help You Stay Informed

At FIRST-Network, we share information, resources and real-life tips to help individuals and families better navigate the federal prison system.

We discuss federal prison phone calls, mail, visitation, BOP policies, FSA Time Credits, TEAM Meetings, halfway houses, home confinement, release planning, reentry and much more in our Facebook group: FIRST-Network.

If your loved one is experiencing a concern at a federal prison, you can also submit a report through FIRST-Network. These reports help us identify patterns across Bureau of Prisons facilities and better understand what incarcerated individuals and their families are experiencing.

Report a Federal Prison Concern: HERE

Want to see what families and incarcerated individuals are reporting?

View the FIRST-Network Dashboard: HERE

You can also visit FIRST-Network.org to learn more about our mission, resources and advocacy efforts.

So… go ahead and create that “Next Call” note today. It only takes a minute, and it may save you from hanging up and saying…

“Ugggg… I forgot to tell them!”

FIRST-Network | #BeTheirVoice
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