The 15-Number Limit: Managing Your Loved One's Call List at Red Onion State Prison

At Red Onion State Prison, your loved one can have up to 15 approved phone numbers on their call list. That cap covers both personal and legal-related numbers, so be intentional about which ones make the cut.

Those 15 slots can include cell phones or landlines - wireless numbers work the same as traditional home phones. The key requirement: calls must go directly to the exact number on the approved list. Forwarding, switching phones, or answering on a different line can cause problems if the number doesn't match.

Your loved one doesn't need to sign up for the phone system - VADOC enrolls inmates automatically when they arrive. The practical part for families is making sure your number gets onto the approved list so calls can actually reach you.

The approved call list is managed from the inside. Your loved one adds and removes numbers, and those numbers stay active unless they remove them - or the phone subscriber requests a block or cancellation. If calls suddenly stop coming through, it usually comes down to one of two things: the number was removed from the list, or the line was blocked or canceled on your end.

The system ties consent to a specific phone line. Calls must go directly to the number on the approved list and terminate at that number - which is why you need to actually answer and use the listed number for these calls.

1. Answer the call to the listed number - the consent process is tied to the specific phone number your loved one has on their approved list.
2. Confirm you’re authorized for that line - you’ll be asked whether you’re the person who can make decisions for that telephone number.
3. State your name - the system will prompt you to say your name as part of granting consent.
4. Acknowledge monitoring/recording - you’ll be asked if you understand calls are monitored and recorded.

• ✓ Deny any collect call from an inmate
• ✓ Deny any debit call from an inmate

Practical Tips

• ✓ Pick the best “primary” number and stick with it - once your loved one adds it, that number stays active until they remove it or the subscriber requests a block/cancellation.
• ✓ Answer the first call and complete the automated consent questions (authorization, your name, and acknowledging monitoring/recording).
• ✓ Double-check the exact number your loved one put on the list (including area code) so the call is going to - and terminating at - the right line.

If your loved one transfers between VADOC facilities, they stay enrolled in the phone system and their call list remains active. You don't need to start over after a transfer - just stay reachable at the same approved number.

These phone rules come from VADOC procedures, and Red Onion is a VADOC facility. If someone is under VADOC responsibility but housed in a local jail, that jail's rules apply instead. When something feels off - consent prompts, blocks, or questions about approved numbers - contact Red Onion directly to confirm current policy.