Video visitation costs now decreased at state prisons

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) announced that, as of this month, the cost of video visitation has now reduced from 15 cents per minute to 12 cents per minute.

Video visitation allows families and friends to meet with incarcerated people remotely. This includes at-home video visitation -- using a computer, tablet or smartphone -- and video visitation from visitor centers.

According to a release from VADOC on Monday, July 7, the new rate took effect on July 1, 2025, following an announcement from the video visitation provider and non-profit organization, Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI).

"A key element of successful reentry is having access to video visitation with friends and loved ones," said VADOC director Chad Dotson. "We are thrilled that these services are now more accessible than before and will assist our inmates in maintaining and developing their relationships with their families and support systems, which should further reduce recidivism and increase public safety in Virginia. I thank AFOI and ViaPath Technologies for their ongoing collaboration and the services they offer to inmates and their families."

During the 2024 General Assembly session, legislation was signed into law requiring VADOC to provide video visitations "using the lowest available rates."

"As of July 1, 2025, we have successfully instituted the program’s fourth cost reduction while also working alongside VADOC to expand access throughout all of Virginia’s prisons over the past year," said AFOI executive director Fran Bolin. "This latest rate reduction, at 12 cents-per-minute, brings Virginia among the very lowest in the nation in costs for correctional video visitation services."