Transferring to TDCJ 101

[KiKi2three]

This is a great site with a wealth of information....but I sometimes get overwhelmed. I try and bookmark pertinent information, but I have so much bookmarked that I am confusing myself. I thought maybe if I asked all my questions in one place, I may can find it better.

First...when my son gets transferred, what do I need to do from home?

I have a landline hooked up and ready to go, so I know I will need to call CBS....correct? I have seen issues where when handled online there was a delay...am I better off calling? Is there a phone number?

How long before a TDCJ number appears on the locator? Can I send money immediately?

I haven't set up an account with J-Pay yet. Is this something I can do now or do I have to wait for a TDCJ number?

Is J-pay where I send all money? (For commissary, phone, stamps, etc?)

The phone system still confuses me....can inmates buy cards or is it mainly just calling collect and my payment is to them??


As far as visitation goes, I assume my son will have to fill out the visitation request form (I know it has some kind of number) and can have up to 10 visitors on there. Are the 10 people something he needs to have up front, or can he add to that list as time goes on? The reason I ask this is because the only address he has memorized is mine and his wife's (same address)....but he also has a sister and brother who might like to visit, friends, etc.

When should I start making up a parole package?

When do they normally get visitation behind the glass? My son had heard that contact visits were now 60 days instead of 90...any truth to that?

I know that this isn't even half of what I wanted to ask, but my brain has gone in overload.

Thanks!!!!