From the Department of Corrections:
Illinois Department of Corrections Announces ‘Voices of Connection: No-Cost Communication Pilot Program’
Pilot to Provide Free Phone Minutes Monthly, Expanding Access to Meaningful Conversations for Individuals in Custody
(Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) today announced a new pilot program providing no-cost phone calls to individuals in custody at correctional facilities statewide. Beginning November 3, each individual in custody will receive 775 free domestic phone call minutes, or approximately $6.20 per month, to call loved ones. The pilot program is part of IDOC’s broader effort to provide reliable, affordable communication tools using technology.
“Phone calls and real-time conversations are essential for maintaining meaningful connections with loved ones,” said Illinois Department of Corrections Director Latoya Hughes. “Through the Voices of Connections pilot program, we’re ensuring that individuals in custody have consistent access to free phone minutes, making it easier to engage in the conversations that support emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and promote rehabilitation.”
Building upon the rollout of a phone dialer application on ICSolutions tablets, this initiative will significantly improve phone access for every individual in custody, allowing individuals to connect with loved ones directly from their own tablet when connected to Wi-Fi. This effort also is centered on the crucial role conversations play in maintaining family connections while supporting rehabilitation.
First Lady of Illinois MK Pritzker has played a pivotal role in championing efforts to strengthen family connections for incarcerated individuals. Her office has worked closely with IDOC to advance the pilot to provide free phone calls for those in custody. Driven by a deep commitment to ensuring that incarcerated individuals have consistent, meaningful access to their loved ones, the First Lady continues to advocate on the behalf of justice-involved families.
“Today represents a significant development for incarcerated individuals, highlighting the critical role of maintaining family relationships, especially with children,” said First Lady of Illinois MK Pritzker. “The implementation of this initiative is highly commendable. The First Lady’s office is a champion and advocate in facilitating communication opportunities for women and their children. These services generate measurable benefits for both incarcerated persons and their families, strengthening reunification efforts, particularly for women serving as primary caregivers. Consistent communication is essential to successful reunification. Ensuring regular access to contact families for all individuals in custody is imperative, as robust communication channels are foundational to rebuilding familial ties.”
Individuals may also place international calls with the funds, although that will reduce their number of minutes per month due to international call rates.
Unused minutes will not roll over and cannot be transferred between individuals, but IDOC will be able to redistribute unspent funds throughout the pilot.
IDOC will assess usage and costs over the course of the pilot and may adjust the monthly allocation or work with the vendor to shift some of the funding to support program needs, such as replacement tablets and chargers.
The pilot is scheduled to run through June 2026 and if reappropriated will continue. For more information about the pilot program, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) attached.
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This used to be such a scam with the provider of the phone service getting really rich.
