Full transparency about who we are

Who operates this site

InmateHelp.org is operated as part of the DrPrison.org network, founded by Dr. Patrick Fisher, Ph.D. Dr. Fisher spent 102 months in the federal criminal justice system — 55 months of pre-sentence supervision, 35 months of BOP incarceration (including time in the Special Housing Unit), and 12 months of home confinement with GPS monitoring.

Dr. Fisher holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Walden University (2021), an M.S. in Psychology & Counseling from Walden University (2007), and a B.S. in Psychology from John Carroll University (2001). Before his federal case, he served as Director of Counseling Services overseeing mental health support across 95 schools for over 15 years.

Content contributor Ken Gaughan is the author of Navigating the Federal Prison System: What I Wish I Knew Before Prison — From Cuffs to Freedom, available on Amazon Kindle, Amazon Print, and Apple Books.

Criminal history disclosure

We believe in radical transparency. Both Dr. Fisher and Ken Gaughan are formerly incarcerated individuals with federal criminal records. We disclose this openly because our lived experience is the foundation of everything on this site. We do not hide our backgrounds — we consider them essential qualifications for the work we do.

Our criminal histories are public record. We will answer any direct questions about our backgrounds honestly.

How this site is funded

InmateHelp.org is funded entirely through the DrPrison.org consulting practice. There are no advertisements on this site. We do not accept sponsored content. We do not sell user data. We do not accept payment from the BOP, phone companies, commissary vendors, or any entity that profits from incarceration.

The guides on this site are free and will remain free. If you find value in our resources and want to support the work, the best way is to share the site with someone who needs it.

What this site is NOT

• Not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. We cannot represent you in court. For legal matters, consult a qualified federal defense attorney.
• Not a licensed counseling practice. We provide consulting and informational resources, not therapy or mental health treatment.
• Not affiliated with the BOP. We have no inside connections, special access, or relationship with the Bureau of Prisons.
• Not able to guarantee outcomes. The federal system is unpredictable. Anyone who promises specific results is not being honest with you.

Content accuracy

Every guide is reviewed against current BOP Program Statements, the Code of Federal Regulations (28 C.F.R.), and relevant federal statutes. However, BOP policies change frequently and implementation varies by facility. We cannot guarantee that every detail is current at the time you read it.

If you find an error, please report it to resources@inmatehelp.org. We take accuracy seriously and will update content promptly.

Our network

InmateHelp.org is part of a connected network of resources:

• DrPrison.org — Professional 1-on-1 federal prison consulting. Free 30-minute initial consultation.
• InmateHelp.org — Free family support resources, weekly newsletter, downloadable guides.
• KenGaughan.com — Ken Gaughan's personal blog documenting the lived experience of the federal system.
• DrPatrickFisher.com — Dr. Fisher's professional profile and credentials.

Contact

General: help@inmatehelp.org
Content errors: resources@inmatehelp.org
Press: press@inmatehelp.org
Consulting: drprison.org/contact