How to set up a ConnectNetwork (AdvancePay) account for a loved one at Bland Correctional Center

Bland Correctional Center is part of the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC). Phone calls go through ConnectNetwork, operated by Global Tel*Link. So when you need to fund calls or set up a prepaid plan, ConnectNetwork is where you'll do it.

Most families fund calls one of two ways. AdvancePay is a prepaid account you manage - you add money so you can receive collect calls from your loved one. The other option is depositing to the inmate's PIN Debit account, which they control; call costs come out of that balance. When ConnectNetwork asks for a location, select state "VA" and then "Department of Corrections."

Get Info

• ✓ Your loved one’s 7-digit Virginia state ID number

During setup, ConnectNetwork will ask where your loved one is housed. For Bland, select "VA" as the state and "Department of Corrections" as the agency, then follow the prompts.

1. Start with ConnectNetwork - Use ConnectNetwork (Global Tel*Link’s platform) to begin setting up phone funding for a VADOC facility like Bland.
2. Create your account - Follow the prompts to register your information.
3. Choose AdvancePay (prepaid) - Select the AdvancePay option, which is the prepaid plan for family and friends.
4. Select the correct location - When asked, choose “VA” and then “Department of Corrections.”
5. Link the account to your loved one - Have the inmate’s 7-digit Virginia state ID number ready so you can connect the funding to the right person.
6. Get help if you need it - If you’d rather set it up by phone, you can call ConnectNetwork toll-free at 1-800-483-8314.

AdvancePay lets you pre-fund phone calls so your loved one can reach you - including collect calls - without you scrambling to figure things out mid-call. If you hit a snag during setup, ConnectNetwork's support line can help: 1-800-483-8314.

PIN Debit works differently. With this option, the inmate manages the account and call costs come out of their balance. To deposit money through ConnectNetwork, select "VA" as the state and "Department of Corrections," then follow the prompts to complete your deposit.

• ✓ Your loved one’s 7-digit Virginia state ID number

Don't panic if your number doesn't work right away. Phone numbers only become active on an inmate's call list after the subscriber grants consent through an automated process - and that can take several days.

Once calls start going through, a few VADOC rules shape what to expect. Calls are capped at 20 minutes. Inmates can only keep 15 numbers on their approved list, so they may need to manage it carefully. And all calls are recorded and monitored - except properly verified attorney calls - so keep that in mind when you talk.

1. Confirm what you set up (AdvancePay vs. PIN Debit) - Make sure you chose the option you actually intended (a family-managed AdvancePay plan vs. a deposit to the inmate-managed PIN Debit account).
2. Double-check your location selection - For Bland/VADOC, select “VA” and “Department of Corrections.”
3. Allow time for consent/activation - If the issue is that calls still aren’t coming through, remember the automated consent process can take several days before a number becomes active.
4. Call ConnectNetwork for account-specific help - For setup questions or account issues, contact ConnectNetwork toll-free at 1-800-483-8314.

Useful Reminders

• ✓ Keep the inmate’s 7-digit Virginia state ID number handy - ConnectNetwork will ask for it.
• ✓ If your number isn’t active yet, the automated consent process can take several days.
• ✓ Decide whether you want AdvancePay (family-managed prepaid) or a deposit to PIN Debit (inmate-managed).
• ✓ When prompted in ConnectNetwork, select “VA” and then “Department of Corrections.”