Tablets and Video Visits for People at Gaston Correctional Center: How They Work
Staying connected with someone at Gaston Correctional Center usually means using one of two tools: facility tablets or video visits. Here's how each works, what you'll need on your end, and how money and minutes factor in.
The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction contracts with ViaPath/GTL for tablet services. People in prison use these tablets for phone calls, text messages, digitized mail, and educational or self-help content. Entertainment is also available - and that's typically where "minutes" come into play.
Entertainment minutes are purchased by the person in prison through the facility canteen, using funds from their trust account. So if your loved one wants access to entertainment content, the money comes from their account balance - not yours directly.
Note: Only approved visitors can deposit money into an incarcerated person's account. You can send funds via web, mobile, phone, or walk-in options. Mailing a money order is still available and remains cost-free.
Video visits aren't open to everyone. You'll need to be on the person's approved visitors list before you can schedule a video visit at Gaston Correctional Center.
Two options for video visits: the Getting Out Visits app, or a home computer with an internet connection, webcam, microphone, and a recent web browser.
Video visits can be on-demand (when available) or scheduled for a specific date and time. If you're juggling work, childcare, or time zones, scheduling ahead makes planning easier.
Prepare Video Visit
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list
- ✓ Use the Getting Out Visits app, or set up a computer with a webcam, microphone, and a recent web browser
- ✓ Make sure your internet connection is steady enough for a video call
- Figure out whether you need an appointment - Video visits can be on-demand or scheduled for a future date/time, so check which option you’ll be using.
- Schedule the visit if scheduling is required - Visits to offenders are by appointment only; call or email the prison where the person is housed to schedule.
- Confirm the day before - Call the prison the day before your scheduled visit to confirm the facility’s visitation status.
Want to help your loved one get tablet entertainment? They purchase minutes at the canteen using their trust account. Your job is making sure they have enough funds in that account to cover what they need.
Planning to add money? Remember: only approved visitors can deposit funds. NCDAC and ViaPath offer web, mobile, phone, and walk-in deposit options, with funds available the next business day. Mailing a money order works too - and it's still free.
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