Video Visits vs. In‑Person Visits at Allen‑Oakwood: What’s the Difference
Allen‑Oakwood offers both in‑person and video visits, but the rules aren't the same. Here's how the hours, reservation process, and rules for minors differ so you can pick what works for your family.
Allen‑Oakwood runs separate schedules for in‑person and video visits. Video visits are available daily in three time blocks: 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In‑person visiting runs Sunday through Saturday with two sessions: 1st Session, 7:45 p.m. to 10:30 a.m., and 2nd Session, 12:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. No visits on holidays. Schedules can shift, so treat posted hours as a starting point and confirm before you make the trip.
Reservation only: At Allen‑Oakwood, visitation is available by reservation only.
Before you can reserve, you need to be approved as a visitor. Once your application clears, register through the GTL VisitMe system to book your visit.
Ohio uses ViaPath as its statewide visitation reservation system. You get 24-hour access to make reservations, and ViaPath sends an email if anything changes. Pay attention to those emails; a change can throw off your planned day and time. At Allen‑Oakwood, video visitation and calls go through ViaPath. You can also use the Getting Out App, which some families find easier than logging in on a computer.
- Confirm you are an approved visitor - Reservations are for approved visitors, so make sure your application has been processed and approved.
- Register in the GTL VisitMe portal - Registration is required before you can reserve an in‑person or video visit.
- Reserve your time slot through ViaPath - Use the reservation system to pick an available day and time.
- Watch your email for changes - ViaPath sends email notices if your reservation changes, so check messages leading up to your visit.
If a child is approved as a minor visitor, the video-visit rule is strict: minors cannot conduct video visits without a parent or legal guardian present. Planning a video visit for a child? Make sure the parent or legal guardian is in the room for the session.
Heads up for families: Visitors designated as an approved minor are not permitted to put money on the incarcerated person’s account.
Even with a reservation, call before you travel. ViaPath emails you about changes, and Allen‑Oakwood notes that visiting hours are subject to change without notice. A quick confirmation can save you a wasted trip.
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