How to send messages, photos, and packages
At River North Correctional Center, video visits must start and end within your exact scheduled window. Late or missed visits won't be refunded. Each session allows up to five people (including children), and at least one visitor must be over 18—that person must be the parent or legal guardian of any minors present. The dress code is strict: outer garments and undergarments must cover from neck to kneecaps, and everyone must wear underwear. Violating the dress code can lead to sanctions. Inappropriate behavior during video visits triggers a six-month suspension. Serious violations can result in enhanced sanctions, potentially including a permanent ban. For phone calls, inmates call numbers from an approved list of up to 15 contacts. All calls are recorded and monitored, except properly verified attorney calls. Each call is limited to 20 minutes.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Writing to someone at River North Correctional Center? Here's the key thing: VADOC photocopies all incoming general mail, then shreds the originals. Below, you'll find what you can send, how it's processed, and how to address your envelope so it actually reaches the right person.
At River North (and other VADOC facilities), incoming mail doesn't reach your loved one in its original form. Staff photocopy everything, and the inmate receives those copies—not your actual letter, cards, or photos. The originals get shredded afterward. Don't send anything you want back.
You can add money to prepaid phone accounts through ConnectNetwork (Global Tel*Link). You can also call 1 (800) 483-8314 to set up AdvancePay.
Yes. All inmate calls are recorded and monitored, except properly verified attorney calls.
Video visits must run exactly within your scheduled time slot—late or missed visits aren't refunded. Up to five people can join (including children), but an adult parent or legal guardian must be present for minors. There's a strict dress code requiring coverage from neck to kneecaps, plus underwear. Behavior violations can lead to a six-month suspension, and serious issues may result in a permanent ban. VADOC offers video visits through Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI) with at-home and visitor-center options.
Include the inmate’s full name, their 7-digit state ID number, the full facility name, and the facility address and ZIP code on the envelope.
Appropriate photos are accepted, but they won’t be delivered as originals. River North scans incoming mail and shreds the originals, so the inmate receives only photocopies.
A maximum of three 8.5" x 11" black-and-white photocopied pages (front and back) will be delivered per mailing. That total also includes the photocopy of the envelope.
Visiting at River North Correctional Center starts with approval from Virginia DOC's Central Visitation Unit. Know what they check and when renewals are due, and you'll avoid surprise interruptions that could derail your visits.
Before you can visit anyone at River North, you need approval through Virginia DOC's online visitor application system. Once you understand which form to use and when renewals are due, the process becomes straightforward.
Once you're approved, you can book an in-person visit through the online Visitation Scheduler. The booking window opens 14 days in advance—enough time to plan, but not so far out that you can schedule months ahead. One limit to keep in mind: you're allowed one visit per weekend. If you're juggling rides, childcare, or multiple family members who want to come, choose your date carefully so you don't accidentally use up your slot.
