Setting Up Video Visits with ICSolutions — Account, App, Limits, and Rules
If your loved one is in an Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facility, video visits now run through ICSolutions—not GTL—at every IDOC facility except Adult Transition Centers (ATCs). Here's how to get set up and avoid the common issues that cut visits short.
IDOC switched video visitation from GTL to ICSolutions at all facilities except Adult Transition Centers (ATCs). So if you want to schedule a video visit, you'll go through ICSolutions. Used GTL before? Don't assume your old login transfers over. Your best bet: register fresh with ICSolutions and use your friends-and-family account for scheduling.
- Create your ICSolutions account - Video visitation is set up through a friends-and-family ICSolutions account, so start by completing the ICSolutions registration process.
- Install the ICSolutions app before your first visit - Download and install the ICSolutions/ICS Mobile app on the device you’ll use (Android, Apple, or Windows). Once it’s installed and working, you’ll be ready to schedule and take video visits.
Video visits have firm limits - and they're based on the person in custody, not on how many visitors want to connect. One video visit per day, max. There's also a weekly cap: two video visits per week. This limit applies even if the person is in restrictive housing. Those visits count against the same two-visit allowance.
- ✓ For individuals in general population or protective custody, no more than three approved visitors are allowed per video visit.
Assume every conversation is being watched - because it is. All video visits are monitored live and recorded. By using video visitation, you're consenting to audio and video recording. Attorney-client privilege doesn't apply here. Don't treat video visits like a private legal call. Everything gets recorded.
Heads up: Video visits can be ended immediately - with or without warning - for rule violations, inappropriate conduct or language, or moving around. Stay seated and in place, or the visit can be terminated.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Stay seated and keep the visit stationary the whole time - non-stationary behavior can end the visit.
- ✓ Keep language and behavior appropriate; violations can result in an immediate cut-off, sometimes with no warning.
- ✓ Schedule with the limits in mind: the individual in custody can receive only 1 video visit per day and only 2 per week.
- ✓ If your loved one is in general population or protective custody, keep the visit within the “no more than three approved visitors” limit.
- ✓ Install the ICSolutions/ICS Mobile app on your device (Android, Apple, or Windows) ahead of time so you’re not troubleshooting at visit time.
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