Video Visits to Pocahontas: At‑Home Video vs. AFOI Visitor Centers — Which Is Right for You?

VADOC offers two video visitation options: At-home Video Visitation (using your own device) and visits from an AFOI Visitor Center. At-home visits let you connect from a home computer, tablet, or Android smartphone. AFOI centers exist for people who can't make at-home visiting work. That said, details can vary by institution and change over time. Before making plans or paying for a visit, contact Pocahontas directly to confirm current procedures and any facility-specific requirements for your loved one.

When Athome Best

• ✓ Home computer
• ✓ Tablet
• ✓ Android smartphone

At-home video visits work best if you have the right device and a private, quiet space to talk. The catch: not everyone qualifies for At-home Video Visitation. Check with Pocahontas first to confirm you're eligible. Once you schedule a visit, treat that time slot like an appointment you can't miss. Video visits start at the exact scheduled time, and fees aren't refunded if you're late or no-show.

An AFOI Visitor Center makes more sense when at-home visiting isn't realistic - maybe you don't have the right technology, or you don't qualify for At-home Video Visitation. If a Visitor Center is your best option, plan ahead. Find out where to go and what to expect on arrival. Contact Pocahontas to confirm the right setup for your loved one, and ask about available AFOI Visitor Center locations and scheduling.

Rule violations can cost you future visits. Video visitation privileges can be suspended for six months, and serious violations may lead to a permanent ban. Play it safe: no recording, no workarounds, no "just this once" exceptions. If you're unsure whether something is allowed, skip it.

• ✓ Wear outer garments and undergarments that cover from the neck to the kneecaps
• ✓ Wear underwear
• ✓ If you’re visiting from an AFOI Visitor Center, wear footwear

Whether you're visiting from home or a Visitor Center, give yourself extra time to get set up before the scheduled start. Visits run on exact time slots - fees won't be refunded if you're late or miss your window.

Quick Decision Checklist

• ✓ If you have a home computer, tablet, or Android smartphone (and a reliable place to talk), at‑home video visits are usually the easiest option
• ✓ If you don’t have the necessary technology at home, an AFOI Visitor Center is built for that
• ✓ If you don’t qualify for at‑home video visits, ask about using an AFOI Visitor Center instead
• ✓ If you can’t reliably make the scheduled time, don’t book yet - fees aren’t refunded for late or missed visits
• ✓ If you’re not able to follow the conduct rules (especially no recording/photos/screenshots), wait until you can - violations can lead to suspensions or a ban
• ✓ Before you plan the trip or schedule the visit, confirm the current procedures with Pocahontas