How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Ohio Reformatory only allows approved visitors to deposit funds to an inmate account, and deposits must follow the facility's approved ODRC process. Tablet-related payments are handled separately. If you need to pay for a damaged or replacement tablet, the full $250 payment must be made payable to ViaPath Technologies. Send it by money order or cashier's check, along with the required deposit form, to ViaPath's Houston PO Box. Before sending any money, confirm you're using the facility's approved deposit channels and have the inmate's full name and ID number ready. If you use phone, online, or kiosk deposit options, plan for possible convenience or processing fees charged by third-party vendors.
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Use the ViaPath tablet repair payment form when sending a repair payment—it ensures your money gets matched to the right incarcerated person. The deposit/payment form must go in the envelope with your payment, so double-check that it's filled out and included before you mail anything.
If an ODRC tablet is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll need to pay $250.00 for repair restitution. ODRC only accepts money orders or cashier's checks for this payment—no other forms—and it must be in U.S. dollars.
Want to put money on someone's account at Ohio Reformatory? The first question isn't
Visiting rules can feel strict when you're just trying to help. At Ohio Reformatory (ODRC), you can't hand an incarcerated person cash, packages, letters, or printed materials during a visit. Bringing certain items onto the grounds can put you at real legal risk. Here's what the rules are and what to do instead.
Only approved visitors may deposit funds to an inmate account, and deposits have to go through the approved ODRC process.
Tablet payments require a full $250 payment made payable to ViaPath Technologies. Send it by money order or cashier’s check, along with the deposit form, to ViaPath’s Houston PO Box.
Have the inmate's full name and ID number ready, and verify you're using the facility's approved deposit channels before sending funds. Depositing by phone, online, or kiosk may come with convenience or processing fees from third-party vendors.
Need disability access, breastfeeding accommodations, prescription medication, or bringing a service animal? Here's what Ohio Reformatory's visiting rules actually allow—and what staff can and can't ask at the door.
Bringing a child to visit means some paperwork upfront. Know which form you need—and when notarized permission applies—and you won't get turned away at the door.
Before a child can visit at Ohio Reformatory, paperwork comes first. The key form is the Minor Visitor Application (DRC-2238)—it must be completed, signed by the child's custodial parent or legal guardian, submitted, and approved before the child's first visit. While you're preparing, know that Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction materials like the ODRC General Visiting Instructions (DRC-2274) and the Declaration of Understanding (DRC-2554) are available to staff, incarcerated people, and visitors. Ask to review them if you need clarity on the overall process.
