Start reading here about what can be sent to inmates:
http://www.illinoisprisontalk.org/index.php/topic,23059.0.htmlWas he sent to Stateville or Graham from county jail? Both have different rules regarding being able to buy commissary. They can't shop in Stateville Receiving but they can shop for essentials in Graham Receiving. Do a search on the main IPT home page for the facility he is at (Stateville R&C or Graham R&C) and a load of info will come up. He will not be allowed visits if he is at Stateville unless he is awaiting to be transferred to Boot Camp or if he is in on a parole hold. Those visits can take place only after he's been there 61 days though he could be transferred before then. He won't be allowed a phone call, except in rare instances when someone's inmate is allowed, until he's been transferred as well. Some inmates have gotten lucky and are able to get a call out but the majority of the time they aren't allowed. He will get a pin number for the phone given to him and he will submit a phone list that must be approved before he can call. The approval for that list can take anywhere from days to weeks, sometimes months, depending on the situation.
You can send money through Jpay or Western union. Both have fees. I prefer Jpay because it just seemed easier and more reliable for me personally. Those family members in MA can use Jpay as well from their computer to send money instead of sending a paper MO. The money will be credited faster that way than with a paper MO. Keep in mind, any money sent to him while in R&C will follow him to his parent facility but it can take weeks even moths before the money is finally credited so it's best not to send a lot, if any, while at R&C (at Stateville particularly since they can't shop there).
He should get one write out (pre-stamped envelope and a piece of paper) to send one letter when he got to Receiving. After that, he will have to hope someone does him is a favor and lets him have another one to be able to write out. It's best for you to write him as often as possible to help keep his spirits up. They appreciate the letters, books, magazines, so much while there even if they can't write back right away. If at Graham, he will be able to use the money to buy write outs and write to you more often.
Receiving is the hardest part because there is such little contact. There is no set time before he is sent to his parent facility. Prisons are overcrowded and they are sending inmates out as fast as they can fill beds but you have to learn to be patient and try to hang in there. Read as much as you can here and ask questions. The search feature on the main page is very useful. If you can't find a answer here, many times the admins and support staff will look for an answer to help you. Otherwise, some questions are better asked of the facility specifically. Depends on your situation.
Keep reading and write him those letters. Let him know what's going on in the world in general and how you and the family are doing. He will get the letters even if they are a little behind in the mail room. Hang in there!
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