When a person is sent to prison, they often have trouble staying in touch with their loved ones. However, there is new technology available at 13 of the facilities in Illinois that will make it easier to communicate. The Decatur Correctional Center, which is located on East Mound Road, is one of the prisons that is taking advantage of this new technology.
Steve Spaid is an administrative assistant at the correctional facility. He has noticed some positive changes in the inmates since this new change was implemented. Steve stated that when the women leave the facility, they will go home and be mothers. The mothers can watch their children go to prom, open their gifts and hit other milestones thanks to the video services.
One woman was able to say goodbye to her mother who was in hospice. Casey Simpson is a visitor coordinator. She stated that one inmate’s child did not know she was in a prison. The caregiver told the child that their mom was at school. The video visit showed no signs that their woman was in prison. Casey stated that the mother’s demeanor changed after she was able to talk to her children.
Global Tel Link donated the technology. It is available for an affordable price. It only costs 30 cents to send an email. Video visits cost $6.25 for 25 minutes. It also costs $13.75 for a 55-minute video chat.
Krista Robson is a 22-year-old woman who is serving a 15-year sentence in prison for armed robbery. She uses the video technology to keep in touch with her mom. She will be eligible for parole in 2022.
Every inmate is able to use the video and email technology. However, if inmates misbehave, then it will be taken away from them. The state is hoping that every correctional facility will have the video and email technology by the end of the summer.
