Video Visits at Mountain View: How to Use the GettingOut Visits App

Mountain View Correctional Institution is an NCDAC prison facility. Across NCDAC, visits can happen in person or by video, which makes it easier to stay connected when travel is difficult. The catch: video visits depend on the technology each facility uses, and the GettingOut Visits app isn't available everywhere. For Mountain View specifically, the facility page doesn't spell out video visiting details. That doesn't mean video visits aren't possible. It just means you should verify directly with the facility before spending time setting things up or trying to book a slot in the app.

Only people on the incarcerated person's approved visitors list can use video visits. If you haven't been approved yet, handle that first. The app can't override the facility's visitor approval rules. Once you're on the list, you'll be able to use video visiting when the facility supports it.

NCDAC's guidance for video visiting points families to the GettingOut Visits app. You can use it to conduct a live video visit or schedule an appointment, depending on what the facility allows and what time slots are open.

1. Decide whether you need a visit right now or later: NCDAC notes that video visits can be on-demand or scheduled.
2. Use on-demand when you want the next available option: In the app, choose the on-demand option when you are ready to visit and the facility supports it.
3. Schedule when you need a specific time and date: Pick an available date and time in the app, then book that appointment for a future visit.

Don't want to use a phone or tablet? Video visits can also be done from a personal computer with an internet connection, a webcam, a microphone, and a recent web browser. This is a solid option if you want a larger screen or a more stable connection.

Since the GettingOut Visits app is only available at select facilities, confirm Mountain View's current setup before trying to schedule. The facility page doesn't list video visiting details, so the fastest way to avoid frustration is to contact the prison directly. Ask whether GettingOut video visits are offered and what the current process looks like.

1. Contact Mountain View directly: Call or email the facility and ask whether they support video visits through the GettingOut Visits app.
2. Ask how appointments work: NCDAC visits are by appointment only, so confirm whether you need to book a time and what steps they require before you can visit.
3. Confirm the day before: Call the prison the day before your scheduled visit to confirm the facility’s visitation status, especially if you are traveling or planning your day around the appointment.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Make sure you are on the incarcerated person’s approved visitors list before trying to video visit.
• ✓ Download the GettingOut Visits app and get your account set up ahead of time.
• ✓ Choose the right visit type: on-demand for a visit now, or scheduled for a future date and time.
• ✓ If you plan to visit from a computer, make sure you have reliable internet, a webcam, a microphone, and a recent web browser.