Plain answers to the questions most families ask first.

A minimum-security federal facility for inmates with the lowest level of risk and the lowest level of security needs. Most have no fence; many house people convicted of non-violent, white-collar offenses.

The Bureau of Prisons aims to designate inmates within 500 miles of their release residence when possible. It is a guideline, not a guarantee — bed space, security level, and program needs all factor in.

The Residential Drug Abuse Program is a 9-12 month treatment program. Successful completion can reduce a sentence by up to one year and offer additional time in a halfway house. Eligibility is determined by the BOP, not by the sentencing court.

The Admission & Orientation handbook is given to every inmate in their first week at a facility. It explains rules, routines, mail, visiting, the commissary, and how to request things. Reading the handbook for the receiving facility before arrival is one of the most useful things a family can do.

When the court allows it, the inmate reports themselves to the designated facility on the date specified in the Judgment & Commitment order rather than being taken into custody at sentencing. Most white-collar inmates self-surrender.

The BOP’s Inmate Locator at bop.gov/inmateloc returns the assigned facility and projected release date. There is sometimes a delay between sentencing and the designation appearing.