Video Visitation
Video visitation is a scheduled video call service that allows families to see and speak with incarcerated loved ones through a secure platform, without traveling to the correctional facility.
What Is Video Visitation?
Video visitation allows you to have a face-to-face conversation with an incarcerated person from home or another approved location. The visit takes place through an app or website provided by a platform the facility has contracted for communication services. Common platforms include GettingOut, ConnectNetwork, and JPay. You schedule a time slot in advance, and both you and the incarcerated person connect at the appointed time.
There are two types of video visits. Remote visits allow the family member to connect from home using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera. On-site visits happen at the facility, where the visitor comes in person and connects through a kiosk or screen inside the building. Remote visits are more convenient for most families and have become more widely available in recent years. Not all facilities offer remote visits, so confirming availability with the specific institution is important before scheduling.
Video visits are typically scheduled in blocks of 20 to 45 minutes depending on facility policy. Most platforms charge per minute, and the cost is deducted from your account balance. You may need to submit a visitor application and be approved before your first visit. The platform and facility both set their own rules about how far in advance you can book, how many visits are allowed per week, and what technical requirements apply.
Related Providers
Communication providers that are relevant to Video Visitation.
Related Terms
Explore other glossary terms that are closely connected to this topic.
Inmate Messaging
Inmate messaging is a digital service that lets families and approved contacts send written messages to incarcerated loved ones through a facility-contracted platform such as JPay or CorrLinks.
AdministrationVisitation Rules
Visitation rules are the policies set by each correctional facility that govern who can visit an incarcerated person, how visits are scheduled, what is required for entry, and how visitors must behave during a visit.
Facility TypesCounty Jail
A county jail is a local detention facility operated by a county sheriff's office that primarily holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences of one year or less.
CommunicationInmate Phone Calls
Inmate phone calls are outgoing calls placed by an incarcerated person from a facility phone system to approved contacts, using a prepaid account managed through a contracted provider such as ConnectNetwork or GettingOut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Video Visitation, answered in plain language.
Do I need special equipment for a video visit?
How do I schedule a video visit?
How much does a video visit cost?
Can I use my phone for video visits?
What happens if the connection drops during a visit?
People Also Ask
Related questions families often search for alongside this topic.
What is Inmate Messaging?
Inmate messaging is a digital service that lets families and approved contacts send written messages to incarcerated loved ones through a facility-contracted platform such as JPay or CorrLinks.
Read full definitionWhat is Visitation Rules?
Visitation rules are the policies set by each correctional facility that govern who can visit an incarcerated person, how visits are scheduled, what is required for entry, and how visitors must behave during a visit.
Read full definitionWhat is County Jail?
A county jail is a local detention facility operated by a county sheriff's office that primarily holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences of one year or less.
Read full definitionWhat is Inmate Phone Calls?
Inmate phone calls are outgoing calls placed by an incarcerated person from a facility phone system to approved contacts, using a prepaid account managed through a contracted provider such as ConnectNetwork or GettingOut.
Read full definitionReady to Get Started?
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