Reviewed on: April 15,2026
General Prison Questions-Terminology

How can I quickly get my number to an inmate?

My boyfriend is in Bexar County Adult Detention center andI have been sending care packages via the icaredirect website, but they take so long to be delivered. I visit but I wasn't able to set up my phone to receive calls from him until yesterday and I don't know how, other than snail mail, to get the # to him and let him know he can call finally. and the next visitation isn't for days! I would give anything to be able to talk to him so he knows he isn't alone and that even though I am out here, my heart is in there with him. I've never gone through any of this before and I don't know how things work and what I am able to do. Please, any advice to help me would be greatly appreciated. Please...

You are doing all of the right things to stay connected.
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Answered by a former federal inmate · 14+ years advising families
✓ Verified answer March 30,2015 · General Prison Questions-Terminology
1

You are doing all of the right things to stay connected. If you start writing letters, there is lag time in the beginning but after the first one gets there, then there'll be a stream of consistent letters for him just about every day - if you keep writing everyday.  InmateAid's letter service is as fast as there is and VERY reliable. The photo feature is the most popular. Setting up a phone account can get expensive if you are not local. We can help with that, too. Also keeping your inmate busy by having magazine subscriptions and books flow in at a steady pace will have his mind on the outside and off the nonsense in the inside - plus, he'll know that you did this for him. Let us know if you need any help setting up any of the services (even asking for a coupon to get going is a good way to try this out).

Accepted Answer Date Created: March 30,2015
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About this answer: This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice. Last reviewed April 2026.