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Virtual Visitation

We regret to announce that after ten years of service to families with loved ones behind bars, the Family Virtual Visitation Service stopped operating at the Prison Society on November 30, 2011, due to a lack of funding.

We want to extend our best wishes to all of the family members who visited our offices over the years and maintained connections with their loved ones. Thank you for using our services.

Overview of Virtual Visitation Program

The program began in May 2001, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, with participation at four pilot sites. After ten years, the program was available at SCIs Albion, Cambridge Springs, Coal Township, Dallas, Greene, Mahanoy, Muncy, and Pine Grove in Pennsylvania; and Green Rock Correctional Center in Virginia. The Prison Society accommodated approximately 180 55-minute visits per month, at a low cost to families.

"My visit went very well. I was happy to see my son and to see the joy on his face when he saw his daughter. I truly enjoyed the visit."
-Virtual Visitation Participant

This high tech videoconferencing program allowed families to visit in "real time" with their incarcerated loved one. Inmates, family members, prison staff, and Prison Society staff expressed their support and appreciation of this program. Correctional officers reported that many inmates were better adjusted and seemed happier after visits. Visitors expressed how important and meaningful the program was to the health and welfare of their families.

"We are very grateful for this visit. We are a very connected family. I appreciate the Pennsylvania Prison Society for providing this service to our family who love one another very much. It is also productive for the inmates. When they return they know we are here for them and we believe they will be productive people again."
-Virtual Visitation Participant

Family Virtual Visitation's goal was to help inmates incarcerated far from home stay connected to their families. Some family members cannot travel the long distance to prison locations due to their age, the cost of transportation, or disabilities. The virtual visits provided an opportunity for families who might not otherwise have had a chance to see their loved ones. We believe that creating stronger links between families is important for the stability of the inmate's family and his/her successful reentry into the community. Increasing the frequency of family visits helped support family relationships and improved the inmate's ability to adjust to life in prison.