Video Visits at NDSP: How to Schedule and What to Expect
Video visits are a practical way to stay connected, but NDSP has a few requirements that can trip people up. Here's how approval, scheduling, and visit length work so you can plan ahead.
Before you can schedule a video visit at NDSP, you need to be cleared as a visitor. That means completing a visitation application, getting pre-approved, and being placed on the resident's visitation list. This applies whether you're planning an on-site video visit or a remote one - you must be on the approved list first.
Warning: Do not attempt to visit until the resident notifies you that your visitor application has been approved.
Video visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Same-day scheduling won't work, so plan ahead and book through the video visitation platform before that 24-hour window closes.
Session length depends on the visiting setup. For BIU secured visiting, you can sign up for two consecutive 20-minute video visits - 40 minutes total.
If you’re also doing in-person visits, don’t worry about video time eating into that allowance. The Department’s 20 hours of in-person visitation per resident does not include video visits.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the resident’s approved visitation list before you try to schedule (this applies to on-site and remote video visits).
- ✓ Schedule your video visit at least 24 hours ahead.
- ✓ Test your camera and audio before the visit time so you’re not troubleshooting during your session.
- ✓ Schedule as early as you can to improve your chances of getting the time you want.
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