Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

How to Visit Facility

Trying to stay connected with someone at Red Onion State Prison? The phone system is your most reliable option. Here's what you need to know about setting up funding and what to double-check before you spend money or wait for calls.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

The Virginia Department of Corrections uses ConnectNetwork (operated by Global Tel*Link) for inmate phone calls. This matters because prepaid setup, deposits, and account issues go through ConnectNetwork, not the prison front desk.

  • ✓ Calls are recorded and monitored, except properly verified attorney calls.
  • ✓ Calls are limited to 20 minutes.
  • ✓ The inmate’s approved call list can include up to 15 phone numbers.
  • ✓ You can refuse (deny) any collect or debit call.
  1. Decide how you want to fund calls. You can deposit money into a prepaid phone account (AdvancePay) through ConnectNetwork, or call ConnectNetwork toll-free at 1 (800) 483-8314 to set up a pre-pay phone plan.
  2. Create the right ConnectNetwork account type for PIN Debit deposits. If you are depositing to an inmate’s PIN Debit Account, select “VA” as the state, then choose “Department of Corrections” and follow the prompts.
  3. Have the correct ID number before you start. You will need the inmate’s 7-digit state ID number to make a deposit to their PIN Debit Account on ConnectNetwork.

Heads up: All calls are recorded and monitored (except verified attorney calls) and limited to 20 minutes. You can decline any collect or debit call if you're unavailable or don't want to accept charges.

What to Verify

  • ✓ Confirm ConnectNetwork (operated by Global Tel*Link) is the current phone account provider for this facility.
  • ✓ Confirm you should choose “VA” and then “Department of Corrections” when creating an account for PIN Debit deposits.
  • ✓ Confirm you have the inmate’s 7-digit state ID number in the correct format before depositing.
  • ✓ Confirm whether you should be using AdvancePay (prepaid plan) versus depositing to the inmate’s PIN Debit Account for the type of calls you are trying to receive.
  • ✓ Confirm how attorney calls are “properly verified” so they are not recorded and monitored.
  • ✓ Confirm the current call length limit (calls are limited to 20 minutes).
  • ✓ Confirm the limit on the approved call list (maximum of 15 numbers) and how the inmate updates it.
  • ✓ Confirm how call refusal works on your line, since you can deny any collect or debit call.

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