How to Schedule a Video Conference at Garden State Youth C.F. (Follow the 48‑Hour Rule)
Scheduling a videoconference at Garden State Youth C.F. comes down to timing and paperwork. Your request must be faxed in at least 48 hours—two business days—ahead of time, and weekends and holidays don't count.
All videoconference requests go by fax to the facility's videoconferencing coordinator. The request must arrive at least 48 hours (two business days) before your requested date - weekends and holidays don't count toward that window. Trying to schedule for a Monday or right after a holiday? Fax earlier than you think.
Videoconferences are typically scheduled by agencies or representatives - attorneys, participating agency contacts - rather than family members calling directly. The schedule fills up fast, and no agency or department gets priority placement. Getting your request in early and complete is the best way to avoid delays.
Contact: Garden State Youth C.F. videoconference coordinators are Lea Grant (609-298-6300 x2207, Lea.Grant@doc.nj.gov) and Jessica Mariconda (609-291-2019, Jessica.Mariconda@doc.nj.gov).
Prepare Required Info
- ✓ Inmate/client name
- ✓ Institutional identification number or SBI number
- ✓ If you don’t have the numbers or you’re not sure where the person is housed, call the NJDOC Inmate Locator Service at (609) 292-0328 to ask for the inmate number and institutional location.
The 48-hour rule is really a two-business-day rule. Your fax must arrive at least 48 hours before the conference date, and that clock excludes weekends and holidays. Build in extra cushion if you can - high demand limits availability, and last-minute requests are tough to accommodate.
Once your fax arrives, the facility coordinator checks the master schedule for availability. If your requested time is open, they'll book it. If not, they'll work with you on alternatives. High volume means no one gets moved to the front of the line - complete information and a timely fax are what matter.
Out-of-state agency? There's an extra step before scheduling. Contact Donna Sweeney-Elrose at 609-984-9598 to confirm there are no Inter-State Compact conflicts.
For out-of-state requests that can proceed, the requesting agency initiates the conference call and covers any associated expenses. Make sure the right person on your end is ready to place the call at the scheduled time.
No priority scheduling: Due to high volume, no agency or department receives priority for videoconference appointments. If your situation is urgent, involve the appropriate agency representative and coordinate directly with the facility’s VTC coordinator.
No clear confirmation after faxing? Follow up directly with the coordinators. Reach Lea Grant at 609-298-6300 x2207 or Lea.Grant@doc.nj.gov, and Jessica Mariconda at 609-291-2019 or Jessica.Mariconda@doc.nj.gov.
When you connect with the coordinator, ask for the scheduled date and time in writing. Keep the operating window in mind: videoconferencing runs on business days from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (no weekends or holidays), and conferences must end by 4:00 PM.
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