For families & loved ones
When someone goes to prison, their family serves time too. Children especially need honest, age-appropriate support — and staying in touch makes a real difference for everyone, including the person coming home.
Letters are one of the simplest ways to stay connected. They're cheap, they can be reread, and they don't depend on phone schedules.
Children & families
Prison Fellowship Angel Tree
KidsDelivers Christmas gifts to children on behalf of their incarcerated parent, with a personal message from the parent.
prisonfellowship.org ↗
Sesame Workshop: incarceration
KidsFree videos and activities that help young children understand and talk about a parent's incarceration.
sesameworkshop.org ↗
National Resource Center on Children & Families of the Incarcerated
FamiliesResearch, guides and a directory of programs for children and families of people in prison.
nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu ↗
Staying connected
Find an Inmate (state locators)
PenPalsOnlyLinks to every state's official inmate locator, so you can find the facility and ID number you need to write.
penpalsonly.com →
Browse pen pal listings
PenPalsOnlyPeople in prison who want pen pals. Writing a letter is one of the simplest ways to help someone stay connected.
penpalsonly.com →
Common questions
How do I explain a parent's incarceration to a child?+
Experts recommend being honest in simple, age-appropriate words, reassuring the child that it isn't their fault, and helping them stay in touch through letters, drawings and visits when possible. Sesame Workshop has free materials made for young children.
How do I write to someone in prison?+
You need their full name, their inmate ID number and the facility's mailing address. Use the state inmate locator to find them, put the ID number on the envelope, and check the facility's mail rules before sending anything besides a letter.
Keep going
PenPalsOnly isn't affiliated with these organizations and doesn't give legal advice. Programs and rules change — confirm details with each organization directly.