Video Visits vs. In‑Person Visits: Which Option Works Best for Your Family
Trying to stay connected with someone in an NCDAC prison? You've got two main options: in-person visits and video visits. The best choice depends on your schedule, how far you live from the facility, and your budget. Sometimes the answer is a mix of both.
NCDAC facilities offer both in-person and video visits. You can travel to the prison for face-to-face time, or connect remotely through GettingOut - your loved one joins from a facility tablet or video kiosk. Pick whichever fits your life better.
Note: Video visits are limited to people who are on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list.
Video visits run through the GettingOut Visits app. Your loved one connects from a facility-issued tablet or video kiosk inside the prison. You can join using the GettingOut app on your phone, or from a computer with a webcam, microphone, and internet connection.
One big advantage of video visits? Flexibility. You can schedule them for a specific date and time, or go on-demand. The "Visit Now" option in GettingOut lets you start a visit without planning ahead - as long as you're on the approved list and the other side can connect.
Reminder: You must be on the incarcerated person's approved visitors list before you can start a video visit. It's not automatic.
Need a firm plan? Schedule your video visit for a specific date and time - helpful when you're juggling work, school, or childcare. Prefer flexibility? Use the "Visit Now" feature in GettingOut to start a visit on the spot, no scheduling required.
Plan ahead for in-person: Visits are by appointment only. Call or email the prison to schedule, and call the day before to confirm the facility’s visitation status.
Cost often tips the scales between video and in-person. GettingOut charges only for the actual video visit time - no upfront connection fee. That said, rates can vary, so check the current pricing before you commit to video visits as your main way to stay in touch.
Which Option Suits
- ✓ Choose in-person if you can travel and you want face-to-face time at an NCDAC facility (remember: in-person visits are by appointment).
- ✓ Choose video visits if travel is hard - your loved one can connect from a facility tablet or a video kiosk.
- ✓ Use scheduled video visits when you need to coordinate around work, school pickups, or multiple family members.
- ✓ Use on-demand video (“Visit Now”) when you want flexibility and don’t want to schedule.
- ✓ Before you plan on video, confirm you’re on the approved visitors list.
- ✓ No matter which option you pick, build in time to schedule and confirm with the prison ahead of the visit.
Quick tip: Confirm your in-person appointment with the prison the day before, and review video visit fee details ahead of time so you’re not surprised by charges.
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