Video Visits Through ICSolutions: Scheduling Rules, Blackout Times, and Weekly Limits
Setting up a video visit with someone in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)? Most of the frustration comes down to timing—when you can schedule, which hours are blocked, and how many visits are allowed each week. Here's how ICSolutions scheduling actually works so you can book a time that sticks.
IDOC switched video visitation from GTL to ICSolutions for all facilities except ATCs. This matters when you're scheduling - use ICSolutions for video visits unless the person you're visiting is at an ATC.
To schedule a video visit, you’ll register for an ICSolutions account. During registration, IDOC recommends entering your old GTL Visitor ID - if you have one - because it can help speed up the approval process.
Video visits through ICSolutions aren't last-minute. IDOC requires scheduling at least 7 days in advance, so plan for about a week of lead time. You can also book up to 30 days ahead - helpful if you want to lock in a consistent routine.
- ✓ An individual in custody may receive only 1 video visit per day.
- ✓ An individual in custody may receive only 2 video visits per week, and that weekly limit also applies to people in restrictive housing.
There's a daily blackout window from 2:30pm to 4:30pm due to institutional count procedures. No video visits get scheduled during that time, so avoid it when picking your slot.
For someone in restrictive housing, available hours are narrower: Monday through Friday, 8am to 2pm. The weekly cap still applies though - anyone in custody can receive only two video visits per week, regardless of housing status.
Expect every video visit to be watched. IDOC states that all visits - including those scheduled through ICSolutions - are subject to monitoring and recording.
Warning: If any inappropriate behavior happens during a video visit, the visit will be terminated.
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