Preparing for Incarceration

---

The first step in reducing fear about incarceration is seeking reliable information. At The Intake Initiative, we equip participants and families with practical knowledge that builds a strong foundation. Understanding what lies ahead not only eases anxiety but also empowers you to make thoughtful decisions once inside.

There are many perspectives on how to prepare for prison. Our approach begins with listening to your unique situation and concerns. From there, we provide accessible resources that explain the realities of both state and federal incarceration. We then offer guided sessions where your questions are answered directly, and we highlight the issues most relevant to your circumstances.

While videos and podcasts can be useful, we emphasize individualized preparation. Our counseling sessions create space for honest dialogue and tailored guidance, while written materials ensure you can continue learning outside of those sessions. Together, these tools form a participant‑centered strategy that is practical, empowering, and trauma‑informed.

We start by addressing immediate concerns such as:

• Personal safety in prison

• The intake and self‑surrender process

• What to expect on your first day

Once those basics are covered, we explore more detailed areas, including:

• Prison security levels (state and federal)

• Housing units and living arrangements

• Medical and psychological care

• Work assignments and recreation opportunities

• Communication with loved ones

• Commissary access and financial planning

• Educational and vocational programs

We also provide guidance tailored to your situation, such as:

• How to greet a cellmate respectfully

• Strategies for avoiding conflict and violence

• Ways to occupy your time productively

• Seeking favorable placement when possible

• Managing finances during incarceration

• Approaches to serving your sentence with resilience and hope

Our goal is to prepare you intelligently and proactively. By combining broad knowledge with personalized guidance, we help you anticipate challenges and navigate incarceration with clarity. Over the course of a few weeks, participants gain the confidence and tools needed to reduce problems and foster a smoother experience inside. While there they will be able to maintain contact with their families, participate in programs, and reenter society prepared for success.