How to Handle Returned Care Packages | All Reasons for Rejection
🚨 A care package was returned! What are the real reasons for rejection at detention centers and prisons?
“The care package I went to all the trouble of preparing came back...”
“I don't even know why it was rejected.”
“I never want to send a care package again.”
The first hurdle many family members and partners face is the “rejection of a care package.”
However, there are actually clear rules regarding why they are rejected, and knowing them can prevent 90% of these issues.
This article explains in an easy-to-understand way why care packages are rejected at detention centers and prisons, and how to deal with it.
You can understand it without specialized knowledge, and you will be able to ensure your thoughts reach them starting today.
👉 Read to the end to clearly understand “why it was returned,” and you will never have to worry about care packages again.
📚 The true meaning of a care package
When arrested or detained,
contact with the outside world is extremely restricted.
Life in a detention center or jail is austere,
and feelings of anxiety and loneliness grow.
In such a situation, a care package
is not just a transfer of goods.
It is a message of love saying,
“I am thinking of you,”
“You are not alone.”
According to Ministry of Justice documents,
care packages are permitted within a certain scope
as mental support for detainees.
However, it is also a fact that
strict rules exist to maintain facility order.
⚠️ 5 main reasons why care packages are rejected
1. Because they are prohibited items
Items clearly prohibited by facility rules cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
Dangerous items
Bladed items (cutters, scissors, safety pins)
Glass products, ceramics
Wire, metal items
Luxury items
Alcohol, drugs, tobacco
Energy drinks, nutritional drinks
Money and electronic devices
Cash, gift certificates, prepaid cards
Smartphones, USB flash drives, batteries
2. Exceeding quantity or size limits
There are detailed quantity limits for clothing and daily necessities.
General limit examples (vary by facility)
Underwear: up to 3 items
T-shirts: up to 2 items
Socks: up to 3 pairs
Books: up to 3 volumes
Exceeding even one of these standards
may result in the rejection of the entire care package.
3. Contents cannot be verified
Sealed food items or
items whose contents cannot be seen are generally prohibited.
Examples of rejected items
Homemade bento boxes or snacks
Sealed food containers
Items wrapped in wrapping paper
Documents inside envelopes
4. Issues with Book and Magazine Content
Publications that are rejected
Adult magazines and photo books
Manga or novels containing violent content
Books containing antisocial ideologies
Books detailing criminal methods
Something often overlooked is that
even general weekly magazines
can be rejected if they contain extreme content.
5. Negative Impact on Facility Operations
Examples that may be rejected
Excessive care packages of expensive brand-name goods
Items that create disparities with other detainees
Items containing religious or political messages
🔄 Typical cases where items are actually returned
Here are the patterns of "returned items" that many people experience.
Case 1: Misunderstanding about food items
I brought them thinking, "Store-bought snacks should be fine,"
but
all food items were prohibited at the detention center.
Case 2: Bringing used items
I thought, "They would be happier with clothes they are used to wearing,"
so I brought used clothing,
but there was a rule that only new items were allowed.
Case 3: Change of detention facility
By the time I went to deliver the items,
they had already been transferred to another facility,
so I delivered them to the wrong place.
Case 4: Issues with book content
A magazine I thought was wholesome
contained articles that the facility deemed problematic.
✅ 7 ways to ensure your care package is delivered
1. Thoroughly check in advance
Essential items to check
Current place of detention
Hours for accepting care packages
List of permitted items
Quantity limits
Regulations on new vs. used items
Call the police station or detention center directly to confirm.
If you say, "My family member is being held there, could you please tell me the rules for care packages?"
they will explain them to you carefully.
2. Provide new items
As a general rule, clothing and books must be new.
Points
Keep price tags and labels attached
Bring the receipt as well
Use transparent bags for packaging
3. Understand the characteristics of each facility
Detention center (police station)
Most restrictive
Food is basically completely prohibited
Focuses on clothing and books
Detention center
Less restrictive than a police jail
Some food items may be allowed
More types of daily necessities allowed
Prison
Relatively less restrictive
Many items can be purchased
4. Creating a care package list
Creating a list of what you have confirmed for each facility will make things smoother next time.
next time.
5. Utilizing a lawyer
If you are in a hurry or want to ensure delivery,
sending items through a lawyer is effective.
Lawyers are well-versed in facility rules,
so the possibility of rejection is lower.
6. Gradual care packages
Instead of bringing a large amount at once,
bringing small amounts while observing the situation
is also effective.
7. Keep records
If you keep a record of what you brought,
what was accepted,
and what was rejected,
patterns will emerge.
📮 Alternatives when you cannot send a care package
Utilizing Letters
Even if a care package is rejected,
letters are a powerful means of communication.
Benefits of Letters
You can convey your feelings directly
Relatively fewer restrictions
Can be read over and over again
Points to Note
There is censorship
Certain expressions may be deleted
It takes several days to arrive
The Importance of Visits
Even for a short time, meeting in person
is a greater source of support than care packages.
Coordination with Lawyers
You can communicate the situation or
deliver necessary information through a lawyer.
🏢 Flow of Detention Facilities and Changes in Care Package Rules
Understand the relationship between the criminal procedure flow and care packages.
Stage 1: Police Detention Center (Up to 23 days)
Characteristics
Most restrictive
Basically only clothing and books
Food is almost entirely prohibited
Stage 2: Detention Center (until sentencing)
Features
More relaxed restrictions than police holding cells
Increased variety of daily necessities
Some food items are allowed
Stage 3: Prison (during incarceration)
Features
Further relaxed restrictions
Purchase system can be utilized
Regular care packages are possible
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: Can I send food bought at a convenience store?
A: In police holding cells, basically all food is prohibited. Since there are also restrictions in detention centers and prisons, prior confirmation is essential.
Q: Can I send handmade charms or letters?
A: Letters are allowed, but handmade items like charms may be rejected depending on the materials or structure.
Q: Are any books okay?
A: Even if the content is wholesome, it may be rejected at the facility's discretion. Literary works and practical books are safe choices.
Q: Is it possible to mail care packages?
A: In principle, police holding cells only accept items brought to the counter. Some detention centers and prisons accept mail, but prior confirmation is required.
Q: Can I be told the reason for the refusal?
A: Basically, you can be told, but there may be cases where no detailed explanation is provided. Consult a lawyer if you have any questions.
💡 Additional techniques for successful care packages
Choose your timing
Choosing a relatively quiet time,
such as weekday mornings,
tends to result in more courteous service from staff.
Split into multiple deliveries
Instead of sending a large amount at once,
sending items in multiple batches
can help spread out the risk of refusal.
Don't neglect gathering information
Actively exchange information with people in similar situations
and make use of advice from lawyers.
📊 Guide table for acceptable items
Clothing
Underwear (new): Yes
T-shirts (new): Yes
Socks (new): Yes
Brand-name items: Maybe (check required)
Books
Literature: Yes
Practical books: Yes
Weekly magazines: Maybe (depends on content)
Manga: Maybe (depends on content)
Daily necessities
Towels (new): Yes
Soap: Yes
Toothbrush: Maybe (depends on the facility)
Shampoo: No (in most cases)
* Yes: Allowed in many facilities, Maybe: Depends on the facility, No: Not allowed in many facilities
🔍 Latest legal amendment information
Due to the legal amendment in June 2025,
some care package rules have changed.
While details must be confirmed with each facility,
it appears there have been changes to
the handling of digital books and
the scope of health management supplies.
(*Currently under investigation)
Please check the Ministry of Justice's official website for the latest information.
🐸 A message from Sasaeru
When a care package is rejected,
I understand the feeling of being discouraged,
thinking you can't do anything for them.
But it's okay.
If you understand the rules,
you can definitely get your feelings across.
Don't worry alone;
start by gathering the correct information.
And when you're in trouble,
feel free to consult with us anytime 🐸
Free gift when you register on LINE!
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and "Care Package Guide (Prison Edition)" for free.
We are also sharing information on social media
Sasaeru Note: Detailed explanatory articles
Sasaeru X (formerly Twitter): Delivering the latest information
📌 Recommended articles to read together
👉 Click here if you want to know more about the "rules for ensuring your care packages and letters are delivered"
▶️ List of prohibited items for detention centers and prisons | Summary of prohibited and allowed items
▶️ Reasons why letters are not delivered | Censorship rules and how to write letters for detention centers and prisons
👉 Click here for other articles
👉 Read the series from the beginning
📘 For those who want to learn more deeply (Paid Guide)
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This is the complete version to help you act without hesitation.
👉 Please see the magazine card below for details
▶️ Prisons & Detention Centers | Care Packages & Visits | Complete Edition | 2025 Latest Version
▶️ Essential Guide to Protecting Your Family | Care Packages, Visits, Lawyer Meetings, and Letters
"Collector's Edition" Detention Center Care Package & Visit Complete Guide 2025 (PDF 129 pages / 3,000 yen)
"2025 Latest" Prison Guide Complete Edition (PDF 133 pages / 3,000 yen)
"500 Yen Series" Care Package Prohibited Items Quick Reference / Visit Checklist / Winning Strategies for Lawyer Meetings / Letter Templates, etc.
📝 Terminology Explanation
Detention Center
A facility located within a police station. Used for detention for up to 23 days immediately after arrest.
Detention House
A facility under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice where individuals are held while awaiting trial.
Suspect
A person suspected of a crime. The stage before indictment.
Defendant
A person who has been indicted. A person in the position of standing trial.
Detention
Restricting a person's freedom to prevent flight or destruction of evidence.
Censorship
Checking the contents of letters or books in advance.
Disclaimer
You must never forget that there are victims in criminal cases.
It is of the utmost importance to show maximum consideration for the feelings and privacy of the victims and to follow appropriate legal procedures.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.
For specific legal decisions, please be sure to consult with a professional such as a lawyer.
References and Sources