Sending a care package to a loved one in an Ohio correctional facility is a meaningful way to provide support and comfort. However, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) has specific guidelines that must be followed to ensure your package is accepted. This guide provides a straightforward explanation of how the Ohio package program works, which vendors you must use, and the rules you need to follow to ensure your delivery arrives safely.
Understanding the Ohio Inmate Package System
In the state of Ohio, you cannot simply box up items from home and mail them to a prison. For security reasons, the ODRC requires all care packages to be ordered through authorized third-party vendors. These vendors are pre-approved to package and ship items that meet the safety standards of the correctional facilities.
The system is designed to provide inmates with access to food, personal hygiene products, and clothing that may not be available in the standard commissary. By using an approved vendor, you ensure that every item has been screened and is permitted within the facility’s specific security level.
Identify the Correct Inmate Information
Before you begin the ordering process, you must have the correct identification details for the recipient. Without accurate information, the vendor cannot process the order, and the facility will not be able to deliver the package.
- Full Legal Name: Use the name the inmate was processed under, even if they use a nickname.
- Inmate Number: Also known as the ODRC Number or SID. This is a unique identifier assigned to every individual in the Ohio system.
- Current Facility: Ensure you know exactly which institution they are currently housed in, as transfers can happen frequently.
If you are unsure of the inmate number or their current location, you can use the ODRC “Offender Search” tool on the official state website. Having this information ready will make the checkout process much faster and prevent shipping errors.
Select an Approved Vendor
The ODRC partners with specific companies to manage the care package program. While the available vendors may change periodically based on state contracts, the primary providers for Ohio typically include Union Supply Direct and Access Securepak.
Union Supply Direct
Union Supply Direct is a major provider for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. They offer a wide variety of packages, including food items, electronics, and clothing. They often have specific catalogs tailored to the Ohio system’s regulations.
Access Securepak
Access Securepak is another common vendor used for inmate care packages. They specialize in “quarterly” package programs where family members can send a set amount of goods during specific times of the year. Their website allows you to search by state and facility to see exactly what is allowed for your loved one.
Types of Packages You Can Send
In Ohio, care packages are generally categorized into two main types: Food/Sundry and Property. Understanding the difference is important because they often have different ordering windows and limits.
Food and Sundry Packages
These packages typically include snacks, coffee, drink mixes, and hygiene products like soap or shampoo. These are usually the most popular types of packages sent. They are often subject to a weight limit, such as 30 pounds, and a maximum dollar amount per quarter.
Property and Apparel Packages
Property packages include items like shoes, undergarments, and certain electronics like radios or fans. The rules for these items are much stricter regarding colors and styles. For example, many Ohio facilities require shoes to be a specific color (usually white or black) and may have limits on the total value of the footwear.
Step-by-Step Ordering Process
Once you have the inmate’s information and have chosen an approved vendor, follow these steps to place your order:
- Create an Account: Visit the vendor’s website and create a free account. You will need to provide your contact information and the inmate’s details.
- Select the Facility: Choose the specific Ohio correctional institution from the dropdown menu to ensure you are viewing the correct catalog.
- Shop for Items: Add permitted items to your cart. The website will usually track your weight and dollar limits automatically to prevent you from exceeding the ODRC rules.
- Review the Order: Double-check the inmate’s name and number. Even a small typo can result in the package being rejected at the prison gate.
- Complete Payment: Most vendors accept credit cards, debit cards, or pre-paid cards. Some also allow for mail-in money orders, though this takes longer to process.
- Track the Shipment: After the order is placed, you will receive a confirmation number. Use this to track the package until it arrives at the facility’s mailroom.
Important Rules and Restrictions to Remember
To keep the facilities safe, the ODRC enforces strict limits on what can be included in a package. If a package contains even one prohibited item, the entire box may be returned to the vendor or destroyed.
- Weight Limits: Most quarterly packages have a weight limit (often 30 lbs). If you go over by even an ounce, you will not be able to complete the order.
- Frequency: Inmates are typically limited to one package per quarter. The quarters usually run from January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December.
- Item Restrictions: No glass containers, no metal cans, and no items containing alcohol or certain chemicals are allowed. All food must be in original, sealed transparent packaging.
- Special Holiday Programs: Occasionally, the ODRC offers special holiday package windows that do not count against the standard quarterly limits. Keep an eye on the vendor websites for these announcements.
What Happens After the Package Arrives?
When the package arrives at the correctional facility, it goes through a security screening process. Staff members will open the box and inspect the contents to ensure they match the packing slip and follow all safety protocols. This process can take several days depending on the volume of mail the facility receives.
Once cleared, the inmate is notified that they have a package ready for pickup. They are usually required to sign for the package to confirm they received it. If any items were damaged during shipping, the inmate should report it immediately to the mailroom staff so a claim can be filed with the vendor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your gesture of kindness is successful, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Sending Cash: Never include cash or personal checks in a care package. These must be sent through the separate inmate banking system.
- Exceeding Limits: If multiple family members try to send a package in the same quarter, only the first one to arrive will be accepted. Coordinate with other relatives to avoid wasting money.
- Incorrect Sizing: For clothing items, ensure you know the inmate’s current size. Items that do not fit cannot be exchanged easily once they are inside the facility.
Conclusion
Sending a care package through the Ohio package program is a straightforward process once you understand the requirement to use approved vendors like Union Supply Direct or Access Securepak. By staying within the weight and dollar limits and ensuring you have the correct inmate ID, you can successfully send a box of comfort to your loved one. This simple act of support helps maintain family bonds and improves the quality of life for those within the correctional system. For more information on supporting incarcerated individuals, explore our other articles on inmate communication and financial support services.