Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Phone & Messaging

How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Two things drive most inmate communication at this facility: how phone calls work, and how you fund accounts for paid services.

• 2 min read Based on general VA policies
How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Phone calls at VADOC facilities go through ConnectNetwork by Global Tel*Link (GTL). Every call is recorded and monitored, with one exception: properly verified attorney calls. If you're helping with legal communication, make sure the call is set up as a verified attorney call. Otherwise, it gets treated like a regular personal call.

Need to add money by phone (say, to help your loved one cover communication costs)? You can make payments through JPay. Call their toll-free line at 1 (800) 574-5729 to pay over the phone.

How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Steps to Follow

  • ✓ Confirm you are using ConnectNetwork by Global Tel*Link (GTL) for the VADOC inmate phone system.
  • ✓ Assume personal calls are recorded and monitored, and treat anything you say on the phone accordingly.
  • ✓ If you are an attorney or calling about a legal matter, ask the facility what “properly verified attorney call” means and how to get that verification in place.
  • ✓ If you need to make a payment by phone through JPay, call 1 (800) 574-5729.

Call monitoring and recording rules are strict. The attorney-call exception only applies if the call has been properly verified. Before sharing any sensitive information, confirm the facility's current process for getting attorney calls verified and what documentation is required. Your best sources are the facility's published guidance, intake paperwork, or staff directly.

Before sending money, confirm that the JPay phone payment option is currently available for this facility and that the toll-free number is still correct. If anything doesn't match what you're being told, stop and verify using the facility's official instructions before submitting a payment.

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