How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

VADOC offers video visitation you can do remotely from home. If you have the right setup, you can visit using a home computer, a tablet, or an Android smartphone. Don't have the tech or don't qualify for the at-home program? VADOC also runs video visitation through AFOI visitor centers. That option gives you the same video contact without needing your own device.

Plan around your scheduled start time. Video visits run in exact time slots, and the system is strict about it. Show up late or miss the visit, and fees are not refunded. Treat it like an appointment you can't slide. Build in extra time so you're ready before the session begins.

Phone calls are another way to stay in contact, but there's a built-in limit: an inmate's approved call list can hold up to 15 numbers. The person receiving the call also has control on their end. You can refuse any collect or debit call from an inmate. So if calls aren't going through, it may be as simple as the call being declined or the number not being on the approved list.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Use at-home video visitation if you have a home computer, tablet, or Android smartphone and you meet the program rules.
• ✓ Use video visitation at an AFOI visitor center if you do not have the necessary technology at home, or if you do not qualify for at-home video visitation.

• ✓ Bring a valid government-issued photo ID if you are 18 or older.
• ✓ If you are visiting from home, log in to the GTL system 15 minutes before your scheduled visit.
• ✓ If you are using an AFOI visitor center, arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled visit.

• ✓ Ask your loved one to confirm you are on their approved call list (it can only include up to 15 numbers).
• ✓ If you are not receiving calls, check whether the call is being declined. Recipients can refuse collect or debit calls from an inmate.

Before you schedule, confirm whether you qualify for at-home video visitation and what technology you need. If you're visiting from home, log into GTL 15 minutes early so you're not scrambling at the start time. Using an AFOI visitor center instead? Confirm the location's check-in expectations and plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early. That buffer matters when the visit is locked to the scheduled slot.

Check the current fee amount and how you're expected to pay before you book. Fees are not refunded for late arrivals or missed visits, so know the cost upfront and avoid scheduling a time you can't reliably make.

For phone contact, confirm you're on the inmate's approved call list and that your number is entered correctly. The list is capped at 15 numbers. Also make sure whoever answers the phone understands they can refuse collect or debit calls. Declining the call will stop it from connecting.