For people who are incarcerated, family connection is one of the strongest predictors of successful rehabilitation and lower recidivism.
Families already spend thousands of dollars annually to stay in touch with and provide support for their incarcerated loved ones. Phone calls, emails, long-distance travel for visits, and commissary make up the majority of costs that increase financial strain on loved ones.
Scanning and digitizing physical mail can create new costs for people who are incarcerated and their loved ones. The IDOC began using mail scanning in facilities statewide in September 2025. In some states, people must pay per page and per photo, and those incarcerated must pay per page to print their own mail.
When communication becomes harder or less personal, family stability suffers. Research shows that barriers to mail reduce trust, increase emotional distress, and weaken relationships that are crucial for rehabilitation.
Increasing financial barriers to communication put rehabilitation and long-term reentry success at risk. People who feel connected to family are more motivated to complete programs, maintain good behavior, and plan for their future.
