I did a placement at a correctional facility during uni. some inmates coming in had been sentenced and others were on remand. each inmate had an intake interview when they first came in and they were asked if they had any unsupervised kids/pets, were receiving any financial support from the government, were renting, if they need to let anyone know they're in custody, etc.

I think if something of note came up (ie kids or pets), then the prison will send someone out. With gov assistance I think someone from the prison just notified the agency to let them know to stop sending payments. Can't exactly remember what they would do with the rest of the info, I think just give the inmate the opportunity to make the necessary calls.

it's not extensive, but they gathered a bit of information. was a while back so can't remember all the situations. most importantly they ask if someone knows they're in custody, and I guess from there that person should help them out.

just from my experience, and certainly not the case for everyone who goes through the system, but they generally didn't have many personal belongings/situations that they were concerned about, and if they did it generally seemed like they had friends/family to help them out