how do you find out where a person has been incarcerated?

funny question for the bbs, i know. here is ths story as short as i can make it:

my girlfriend father has been incarcerated since she was 7. she hasn't seen or talked to him since. her mother left when she was 14 and she was raised by various family members from that point on. she is now looking to start college (part time) while supporting herself. in order to get financial aid (which is the only way she could afford to go) she needs to prove that she doesn't have anyone supporting her.

child protective services sent a letter to the college saying she hasn't had any contact with her mother for a few years. however, they can't say anything about her father since he lives and is incarcerated in texas and we're in NY, it's out of thier jurisdiction.

so the college is insisting on proof. who do you call? can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

thanks alot! i'll try those.