Video Visits From Home and Visitor Centers: How to Register and Prepare

Register Afoi

• ✓ Mail your Video Visiting List.
• ✓ Mail a signed copy of the Video Visitation Rules.
• ✓ Mail the required fee.
• ✓ Send all three items to: Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI), 1 North Fifth Street, Suite 416, Richmond, VA 23219.

For home internet video visits, log into the GTL system 15 minutes before your visit starts. That buffer protects your time. The visit clock runs on schedule whether you're ready or not.

Using an AFOI Visitor Center? Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled visit time. Traffic, parking, and getting settled all eat into that window, so give yourself room to be ready when your time slot starts.

Everyone on the call, both visitors and the incarcerated person, must stay seated for the entire visit. Lying down is not allowed either. Pick a setup where everyone can sit comfortably and stay visible on camera.

For home video visits, you need to be in a "family friendly area" like a living room or dining room. In practice, that means choosing a normal shared space rather than a bedroom or other private area.

Keep the headcount small. No more than five people total can participate in a video visit at one time, and that limit includes children.

If minors are joining the visit, at least one visitor must be over 18 and must be the parent or legal guardian of every minor present. That adult needs to stay for the full session to keep the visit compliant from start to finish.

• ✓ Log into the GTL system 15 minutes before a home internet video visit.
• ✓ If you are going to an AFOI Visitor Center, arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled start time.
• ✓ Treat your appointment time as firm. The visit runs only for the exact scheduled slot, and fees are not refunded for late or missed visits.
• ✓ Set a reminder for your start time (and a second reminder 20 minutes before) so you are not rushing at the last minute.