Navigating Kentucky's corrections system as a family member requires understanding its unique structure — particularly the fact that state-sentenced inmates may be housed in either a state facility or a county jail under contract. Here is a complete guide to finding your loved one, setting up communication, and sending support.
Step 1: Find Your Loved One
Kentucky DOC maintains a free public offender search at corrections.ky.gov. Search by name or Kentucky DOC number. The search returns current facility, sentence information, and release date for state-managed facilities.
Important: Because approximately 40 percent of Kentucky's state inmates are housed in county jails under contract, the state system may not return a result for someone you believe is in state custody. If the state locator doesn't find your loved one:
- Check the county jail in the county where they were sentenced — search "[County Name] Sheriff inmate roster" to find the local jail's search tool
- Call the Kentucky DOC's main line at (502) 564-4726 and ask records staff for current housing information
Phone Calls: GTL / ConnectNetwork
Kentucky DOC state facilities use GTL (Global Tel Link) / ConnectNetwork for inmate telephone services. County jails under Kentucky DOC contract may use different vendors depending on the county — verify with the specific county jail.
To receive calls from a state facility:
- Create a free account at ConnectNetwork.com
- Register the phone number where you want to receive calls
- Fund your AdvancePay account
- Confirm your number is on the inmate's approved call list
Inmates call out — you cannot call in. Calls are monitored and recorded except attorney-client calls.
Sending Money: JPay
Kentucky DOC state facilities use JPay for inmate trust account deposits. Go to JPay.com, search for the inmate by name and Kentucky DOC number under "Kentucky DOC," and deposit using a credit or debit card. Fees apply. County jails may use different deposit systems — confirm with the specific facility.
Mail and Letters
Mail goes to the inmate's specific facility with their full legal name and DOC number. For state facilities, addresses are listed at corrections.ky.gov under each facility's page. For county jails holding state inmates, use the county jail's mailing address. All mail except legal mail is opened and inspected.
Visiting Kentucky DOC State Facilities
Each Kentucky DOC facility has its own visiting schedule and procedures. General requirements across all state facilities:
- You must be on the approved visitor list — the inmate submits the request through their counselor
- Valid government-issued photo ID required for all adult visitors
- Dress code enforced — avoid camouflage, corrections officer-style clothing, and clothing in colors similar to inmate uniforms
- No personal items in the visiting room — leave bags, phones, and wallets in your vehicle
Check the specific facility's page at corrections.ky.gov for current visiting hours and any temporary restrictions.
Kentucky's Parole System
Kentucky DOC parole is managed by the Kentucky Parole Board, which operates under the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. For those serving indeterminate sentences, the Parole Board makes release decisions based on risk assessment, programming completion, and release plans. The Kentucky Parole Board can be contacted through the DOC's main website.
Families can support parole preparation by helping develop realistic, documented release plans including confirmed housing, support networks, and access to needed services. Strong family support documented in the parole file is a factor the board considers.
Kentucky DOC headquarters: 2349 Lawrenceburg Road, Frankfort, KY 40601. Phone: (502) 564-4726. Website: corrections.ky.gov.
Further reading for families
For practical guidance on supporting your loved one, see our step-by-step guides on how to bail someone out of jail, how to write a letter to an inmate, and why inmate phone calls are so expensive — and what families can do to reduce those costs.
Many of these services are run by private companies. See how the main providers work, including fees and how to sign up: Securus, ViaPath (GTL), JPay, Access Corrections, CorrLinks, GettingOut. For every phone, video, money, mail, and care-package company, browse our full inmate service provider directory.