Sending personal items to someone in custody can be an important way to offer support but the rules vary depending on where the person is being held. In Victoria, it’s essential to understand the differences between Melbourne Assessment Prison (MAP) and other correctional facilities, especially regarding who can send items and when.
Sending items to Melbourne Assessment Prison (MAP)
During the first 7 days:
- No personal items (including clothing) are accepted during the initial assessment period.
- Mail may be delayed while the inmate is being classified.
- Once the 7-day period ends, and the person has been placed into a unit, property may be accepted under certain conditions.
After the 7-day period:
- You must be on the person’s approved visitor list to send personal property, clothing, or funds.
- Items sent by someone not listed may be rejected or returned to sender.
Sending items to other Victorian prisons
Visitor list requirement:
- At all other facilities, you must be on the recipient’s approved visit list in order to send:
- Clothing
- Funds
- Personal property
- If you’re not approved, the package will not be accepted and will be returned.
General guidelines
What you should do:
- Confirm your visit list status before sending anything
- Contact the facility for up-to-date information on allowed items
- Use trusted providers like FairThreads for prison-approved clothing
Avoid:
- Sending items before approval
- Mailing items that are not on the approved list
- Assuming all prisons have the same rules
Why this matters
Each prison has its own intake, security, and property management process. Understanding these differences helps families avoid:
- Rejected packages
- Delayed deliveries
- Missed opportunities to support their loved one
FairThreads helps families navigate these complexities by providing prison-compliant clothing that aligns with Corrections Victoria’s policies. With accurate guidance and an approved range of items, we make it easier to send support with confidence and care.