Video Visiting from Home vs. an AFOI Visitor Center: Which Is Right for You?

VADOC offers video visitation in partnership with Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI). You can visit from home using your own device, or you can use an AFOI Visitation Center. The "right" option depends on your situation. If you have reliable technology at home and want convenience, at-home video visits are usually the easiest route. If you don't have the necessary tech, an AFOI center is designed to fill that gap.

For an at-home video visit, you'll need a home computer, tablet, or Android smartphone. The main setup step is scheduling: at-home Internet video visits don't require a visitation application, but you do have to register or schedule your visit online using the Visitation Scheduler. If the scheduler asks for additional steps during registration, follow those prompts. Online requirements can be updated from time to time.

An AFOI Visitation Center exists for people who can't do video visits from home because they don't have the necessary technology. One tradeoff: centers are strict about electronics. Cell phones and other portable electronics are not permitted during visitation. They must be left outside the Visitor Center. If you bring one inside or use it, the visit can be terminated.

Timing works differently depending on where you visit from. For home internet video visitation, you must be logged into the GTL system 15 minutes before the visit starts. For an AFOI Visitor Center visit, you must arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled time. Either way, build in extra time so you're not rushing at the last minute.

Before you spend time setting up an account or traveling to a center, make sure the person you want to see is eligible for video visits. People in Initial Reception are not eligible. Eligibility can also depend on security level: Security Level 4 and 5 inmates must be six months infraction-free to qualify. If video visits aren't available yet, choosing a center versus at-home won't change that. You may need to wait until eligibility requirements are met.

Visit frequency can also be limited by program status. Under the STAR program, the allowance is four video visits per month. STAR Step 2 allows three video visits per week, and STAR Step 3 allows four video visits per week. If you're planning around work, childcare, or travel to a center, those limits can help you figure out how much flexibility you actually need.

Pros Cons

• ✓ At-home video visitation: You can visit from home using a computer, tablet, or Android smartphone.
• ✓ At-home video visitation: You are responsible for having the device and setup that works for you (internet, camera, quiet space).
• ✓ AFOI Visitor Center: Built for people who do not have the necessary technology at home.
• ✓ AFOI Visitor Center: Plan on leaving your phone and other portable electronics outside, bringing them in can end the visit.
• ✓ Practical choice point: Home can save travel time and may feel more private. A center can be a better fit if home tech is unreliable or unavailable.

If you have questions about AFOI Visitor Centers, start with AFOI's main office: 220 Hull Street, Suite 100, Richmond, Virginia 23224. Phone: 804-643-2401. Visitor centers are separate locations from the prison and can operate on limited schedules, so call ahead before you travel.

Verify Before You Go

• ✓ Bring a valid government-issued photo ID if you are 18 or older.
• ✓ Register using your legal name (it should match your ID).
• ✓ If you are doing an at-home Internet video visit, register or schedule online using the Visitation Scheduler (no visitation application is required for at-home visits).

1. Confirm the person’s current status - If they are in Initial Reception, they are not eligible for video visits.
2. Check eligibility if they are Security Level 4 or 5 - Video visits require six months infraction-free at those levels.
3. Lock in your timing plan - At home, be logged into GTL 15 minutes before start time. At a Visitor Center, arrive at least 20 minutes early.