Adopt Now

Adopting an inmate couldn’t be simpler.

Shoot us an email volunteer@adoptaninmate.org, and include the following:

• Name (if a group, tell us who your group is and the number of members)
• Contact info (email)
• City and State
• Your age
• Gender preference, if any
• Any additional info that would be helpful in matching, such as interests, hobbies, occupation, etc.
• How did you find us?

That’s it. We will be in touch shortly with your new friend’s name and contact information!

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What does “adopting” an inmate mean?

You can think of adoption in terms of mentoring. The particulars are left to the adopter(s) and adoptee, and there are a number of ways to provide support. Most inmates are merely looking for friendship, which generally begins by exchanging letters.

Receiving mail from the outside world has a profound impact on an inmate’s daily life. It affords a certain status, and lets other inmates and staff know that there is someone on the outside that cares for them – which makes them less vulnerable to violence and abuse. 

You may choose to provide support in additional ways, such as:

• sending books
• talking on the phone
• sending commissary money to offset the cost of the inmate’s stamps, paper and envelopes, or so they can buy some items from the commissary, such as snacks, stationary supplies, and hygiene items (typically only soap and toothpaste are provided for indigent inmates, no shampoo, no lotion, no deodorant, etc.)
• scheduling a visit (some facilities have video visitation available)

Guidelines vary widely from facility to facility with regard to mail, phone calls, and visits, and we are here to help you navigate those systems.

You will find many organizations and resources on our site that support inmates with everything from books and newsletters, to parole and re-entry.

♦♦ Both individuals and groups (classrooms, work groups,
rotary clubs, families, etc.) are invited to adopt. ♦♦