Setting Up Your First Call with Someone at Fluvanna Corrections Center: Complete Walkthrough

At Fluvanna Corrections Center (VADOC), your loved one is automatically enrolled in the DOC inmate telephone system when they arrive. No separate sign-up is required just for phone access. Calls run through ConnectNetwork (Global Tel*Link). They're recorded and monitored - except for properly verified attorney calls. Keep personal details and sensitive topics off the phone, especially during those early conversations when you're just trying to confirm they're okay.

The biggest step for that first call? The call list. Your loved one creates and manages their approved numbers through the auto-enrollment phone system by dialing *44. They control which numbers are allowed, and they're the one who adds, removes, or updates entries. If you're waiting on a first call that hasn't come through, it often comes down to timing - when they get phone access, when they dial *44 to set up their list, and whether your number has fully activated.

Even after your loved one adds your number, it won't work right away. A phone number doesn't become active until the telephone subscriber - the person authorized for that number - completes an automated consent process agreeing to receive inmate calls. This consent step can take several days to process. So if you've been told you're "on the list" but calls still aren't coming through, check whether subscriber consent was completed for your number.

For many families, the easiest way to receive calls is setting up a prepaid account called AdvancePay through ConnectNetwork. You fund the account in advance, then receive collect calls from your loved one. You can set up AdvancePay online through ConnectNetwork or by calling their toll-free line at 1 (800) 483-8314. One thing to keep in mind: AdvancePay accounts become inactive after 180 consecutive days without use, and funds can be forfeited. For refunds, contact customer service at 877-650-4249.

Collect calls work, but they're limited. Inmates can place only a certain number of collect calls before the system prompts them to use a prepaid option. You also have control on your end. As the telephone subscriber, you can deny any collect or debit call. If calls are being blocked - sometimes by a household member, sometimes by phone settings - that can stop the first call even when your number is on the approved list.

Subscriber consent is an automated process tied to your phone number. The system asks questions to confirm you're authorized to make decisions for that number and to verify your identity. Until you complete this step, your number won't activate on the inmate's approved list. No matter how many times they try to call, it won't go through.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Clear out voicemail and make sure your phone can accept automated/recorded prompts so you can follow the call instructions.
• ✓ Ask your loved one about the facility’s scheduled telephone service hours - phone access hours vary by security level, and staff should post or provide the hours in orientation materials.
• ✓ Plan for short calls: VADOC calls are limited to 20 minutes, so prioritize the basics first (safety, urgent needs, next call time).

1. Confirm the exact number they added - have your loved one read the number back to you (including area code) and make sure it’s the number you actually answer.
2. Check whether calls are being denied - the telephone subscriber can deny collect or debit calls, and a denial (intentional or accidental) will stop calls from connecting.
3. Set up or review AdvancePay - if collect calls are limited or not working, create/fund an AdvancePay account through ConnectNetwork or call 1 (800) 483-8314 for help.

If your loved one recently transferred within VADOC, their phone account should automatically move to the new facility within three hours of arrival. If it's been longer and calls still aren't coming through, double-check the call list entry and subscriber consent status for your number.