Illinois Considers Video Visits to Prison

[Forevermah]

Illinois considers video visits to prison


Tuesday, August 3, 2010



SPRINGFIELD — A high-tech alternative to visiting inmates in prison may be coming to Illinois.

Instead of family members traveling long distances to visit loved ones in prison, Illinois could join more than two dozen other states that allow virtual visits via video conferencing.

Along with saving families potentially long drives, some believe the change could improve safety behind bars: After all, it's awful hard to pass weapons or contraband through an Internet connection.

In other states where the concept has been implemented, a company is hired to set up special video visitation kiosks at prisons.

The state then has the option of allowing people with web cams on their computers to contact inmates from their homes or requiring that video terminals be placed in community settings, such as social service agency offices.

The latter scenario is what's in place in Pennsylvania, where families can go to special offices to visit with inmates. One 55-minute session costs about $20.

The kiosks are equipped with a video monitor and a camera to record their image and a phone so the inmate and family member can listen and talk.

In its request for information from potential suppliers, the Illinois Department of Corrections says the system must be able to be monitored by prison personnel at all times. This could help make sure inmates and families aren't, for example, exposing themselves or plotting escape plans.

The agency also asks for a proposal that includes e-mail capabilities for prisoners.

Corrections spokeswoman Sharyn Elman said the state is waiting for responses from potential vendors.

"We are looking into when the pilot program will launch, but have not set the date as of yet," Elman said


http://qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/article_aa00530c-9f4d-11df-b62c-001cc4c03286.html

[eb2008]

I think I rather see my LO in person. No matter what the cost or how far the drive seeing him in person sounds like the best option, for me..(JMO)

[MariaL]

Its not a bad idea, but I too would rather see my LO in person.

[jenplus2]

I can't afford to see my l/o in person, so for me, this would be great!

[Dazzler]

This is ridiculous.  Another money maker for the state.  I can foresee the IDOC terminating all physical visits to save money by eliminating visiting room staff.  If people go along with this it'll only encourage the use of video conferencing.  With the way IDOC manages everything else it'll be broken all the time.  Don't you want to hug your inmates?  Kiss them hello and goodbye and whisper in their ear....if you go along with this crap it'll be bad for everyone.  Inmate families need to boycott this if it's implemented or object very loudly before the idiots in IDOC decide it's a good thing.....for them.

[me]

I'm with Dazz - I think this is a really BAD idea.........
And I think we should boycott it!

[jenplus2]

Sorry, I thought it would be "in addition" to regular visits... I guess I misunderstood.

[Dazzler]

Well, I don't know about that Jen....maybe, but anytime the IDOC can make money and save money the inmates and their families suffer.  It would be a nice option for those that can't afford to visit...but $20 to talk over a webcam....geez.   If it's an additional alternative then it might be okay....but I envision IDOC using it to eliminate visits altogether.

[jenplus2]

I really didn't think about that... it would be like them to eliminate jobs and make money on top of it. So even if they did start it out  as an "addition", we know in the end it would back fire against us and our l/o's. I'm now in agreement with the "NO votes". In the end they would find a way to screw us and make money doing it.

[Cashyc]

From the first sentence  about this program  I'd vote NO!... Im with Dazz.

Its all about money and saving their (IDOC) butts. $20 bucks? What if I lived 15mins. from my LO,gas wuldn't be 20dollars. I WANT to HUG & KISS my LO IN PERSON at whatever the cost. There's nothing like being with a person 'in person'. Computers are man-made anything could go wrong. I could see it now "Computers/monitors are down,sorry for the inconvience"..or..''Were working on getting a clearer/bigger monitor''... NO Thanks I'l take my visit in person anyday....

Videotape & recording my visits?... Let's get a video of All the CO's and IDOC staff doing their jobs..OR NOT DOING IT!!

As an alternate option, I'd say yes..or.. for maybe elderly/sickly people who are unable to visit but otherwise I'd say no...

[plainjane]

I think it would be a great alternative for the elderly, kids (on school schedules), and others that are unable to visit due to illness, schedules, etc. Not as a replacement, but an alternative. It's about time.

[plainjane]

Wonder where the pilot test will be?

[humbird37]

As an alternative....maybe, but my son needs a hug!  I think it would be a terrible idea if it were to replace visits altogether!  humbird

[plainjane]

Sorry for the multiple posts, but I found an article about it here: http://www.allbusiness.com/society-social/families-children-family/13800483-1.html

It appears to come from this passed In January 2010: Public Act: Public Act 096-0869
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=096-0869&GA=96

Namely, this clause:
==========
 (f-5) The Department shall establish a pilot program in one 
or more institutions or facilities of the Department to permit 
committed persons to remotely visit family members through 
interactive video conferences. The Department may enter into 
agreements with third-party organizations to provide video 
conference facilities for family members of committed persons. 
The Department may determine who is a family member eligible to 
participate in the program and the conditions in which and 
times when the video conferences may be conducted. The 
Department may conduct such conferences as an alternative to 
transporting committed persons to facilities and institutions 
of the Department near the residences of family members of the 
committed persons.
    Beginning on October 1, 2010 and through October 1, 2012, 
the Department shall issue an annual report to the General 
Assembly regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the 
 
pilot program created by this subsection (f-5). 
========

It sounds like it is proposed as an "alternative to 
transporting committed persons to facilities and institutions 
of the Department near the residences of family members of the 
committed persons."

So, others more familiar with the legaleze/State language may be better equipped to address. I wasn't aware that they ever even considered "transporting committed persons to facilities and institutions 
of the Department near the residences of family members of the 
committed persons. Thoughts?

[Dazzler]

LOL...so they run a shuttle service for inmates to visit families.....someone is living in LaLa land.

Notice it says 'family members'?

[plainjane]

Exactly. That's what I thought.

But beyond that, the only "mandate" it seems is the establishment of a pilot program. The language is "shall." Beyond that, it's "may." So, all we got at this point is the mandate of a pilot program? Am I reading this right?

So, report is due in October on the pilot, and they have a year to submit. The language is cryptic to me. Just asking.

[AndysAngel]

Nothing can compare to holding my guys hand and see his happiness while he gazes into my eyes. I'd rather drive the 350+ miles and BE with him.

[inrepublic]

"alternative to
transporting committed persons to facilities and institutions
of the Department near the residences of family members of the
committed persons."

This may refer to when an inmate has a dying family member. When my sister in law was dying we were in the process of having 2 of her sons moved closer to her (for a visit, not a transfer) so they could see her before she passed--which is another rant altogether (the runarounds, expense, etc.). She passed quickly though, so it never happened. She wanted to see the boys before she died rather than have them brought to see her after the fact. In this case this video conferencing option would have been a blessing.

It can refer to inmates granted transfers based on terminally ill family members or their own terminal illness. Which is still a crock of s**t, what can replace the comfort of touching your LO when you are at the end stages of life?

As for the rest it sounds like the only "visits" they want to include in the pilot program are those from immediate family members. It also says they will have the discretion to determine "who" counts as family. I can see cases where that will be a double edged sword especially with same sex unions and these parents' children.

Then there will be plenty of room for arguments as to just what they consider "faraway". 150 miles? 300? Only out of state family? What?

Will they do this in a way that they can make money? Hell yeah, it's the IDOC. Will there constantly be excuses over failed equipment? Pffft....goes without saying.

[inrepublic]

....but I envision IDOC using it to eliminate visits altogether.

This.

To an extent I agree. I see them denying inmates face to face visits and only allowing video visits as a punitive measure or retaliation.

[Forevermah]

Inrepublic, can you post a link to the your last post?

[KSwife]

For me this would be a wonderful alternative since I am unable to travel out that way very much. But if it would in any way take away from the opportunity for a face to face visit I would not be supportive of it. Being able to see K, hold hands, and just be by each other is not something I am willing to give up.

[inrepublic]

Oops, I was quoting something Dazzler said a few posts  up. Sorry, I guess I deleted a little too much!

More articles I just found regarding this issue:

http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=399298

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-5013295-504083.html

http://www.herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/article_520bcc53-6b50-5f9a-b98b-8725c0595f3a.html

I'm still looking for something on how effective/detrimental this is in areas it's already in.

[Forevermah]

Oops, I was quoting something Dazzler said a few posts  up. Sorry, I guess I deleted a little too much!

More articles I just found regarding this issue:

http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=399298

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-5013295-504083.html

http://www.herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/article_520bcc53-6b50-5f9a-b98b-8725c0595f3a.html

I'm still looking for something on how effective/detrimental this is in areas it's already in.

It was the post before the quote from Dazzler, we were posting at the same time, sorry for the confusion.

[inrepublic]

No problem.

It was just my interpretation of the info found at this link

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=096-0869&GA=96

[plainjane]

A few thoughts:

I'm hard pressed to believe they would stop face-to-face visits altogether, as many do not not have access to the technology required to interface this way.

Yes, they might say "computer problems," etc., but what is the difference between that and the phone issues we face that on a regular basis?

Of course we would all prefer to hug and kiss our loved ones, that's a given. I'm not convinced they are proposing a choice between the two. As far as the inmate and family are concerned, he/she may have access to those he was unable to access before, e.g., elderly/distant family members, children in groups, ill family members, folks that can't afford to travel, etc.

As far as jobs go, my concern is that it would be a much higher cost to implement a program such as this, due to the IT burden and expertise required, even if it were all outsourced.

I'd definitely pay or support $20 for a 55 min. call. We already pay approximately $10 for a 30 minute call. Seems like a better deal to me.

As far as video and recording our visits, we're already subject to that. Surely we have no illusions of privacy on our visits, calls or mail at this point.

In my opinion, it's about time prisons stepped up to promote family interaction in this way. The technology has been around for awhile now. I would consider this an exceptional gain in prison rights/activism. That said, I'm not very optimistic about implementation, as it would seem to be cost prohibitive.

[jenplus2]

plainjane, very well said. You hit on some points that might not have been considered/looked at.

woohoo my keys are working again 

[Heart]

I have mixed feelings about either way the decision may go.

[Favored23]

I think it would be good, but don't even think about taking away face-to-face visits.  I need to hug and squeeze my husband. 

[Marks_guy]

Like nearly everyone else, I'm on the fence about this. IF it is an alternative to person-to-person visits, it might be a good idea. With money being so tight and living far away, this would be a great way for me to see and talk to M on a regular basis. But I wouldn't want to give up the privilege to sit on one of those uncomfortable stools for anything!

On the other hand, I can see IDOC using this technology to replace regular visits, especially with the inmates in maximum security. I can hear them spouting some crap about keeping the public safe.

[jlnjy]

Hmmmm....so I could log onto my own webcam in my own home so can I follow my own house rules for dress code and what I consider appropriate....just a thought, and only kidding.   

[eb2008]

Hmmmm....so I could log onto my own webcam in my own home so can I follow my own house rules for dress code and what I consider appropriate....just a thought, and only kidding.   

  I was thinking the same thing...If I wanted to chat with my LO topless or just plain nude, I could right??? LMAO!!! If it was like that I wouldn't mind the video chat visits

[lvanrs2]

LOL I don't think nude video chat would be allowed.     If they use this as an alternative and not a replacement for visits it could help those families who have no means to visit their loved ones while incarcerated.  I see many people in wheelchairs trying their best to visit and I know it must be a pain in the rump going to the prison in a wheelchair or walker.  Hell its pain for those in good health.

I think womens prison would really like this due to the fact they could see their children more often.  Not saying men don't want to see their children but we all know IDOC caters more to women and their children than men and their children.

[me]

Doesn't one of the women's prison already have a program like this?  I thought I remembered seeing something on TV about it.  

I am going to try and see if I can fine it.

And the web visits are still at a designated location where the family has to go and be monitored and timed while video-visiting.  

[me]

Illinois Virtual Visitation for Incarcerated Fathers

http://www.dadsrights.com/resourcecenter/article/IllinoisVirtualVisitationforIncarceratedFathers.html

By Jeffery M. Leving | Apr 1, 2009

Chicago, IL – A non-violent felony conviction has landed Juan behind bars for the next three years. As Juan is trying to adjust to prison life, his young son is trying to adjust to life without a father. Juan, like countless numbers of inmates in Illinois, is locked up in a correctional facility far from where his elderly mother, wife and son live. The high cost of transportation and related expenses make regular visitation unaffordable for the impoverished family.

Every time someone breaks the law, there are victims. While the system tries to bring justice to those victimized, new victims are created. The plight of the incarcerated fathers may not evoke sympathy in many people. However, I must point out that the grief and suffering of their children are exacerbated by a correctional system that is ill-equipped to address the pain of losing their fathers.

Research has shown that children whose parents have been incarcerated “experience anger, anxiety, inability to concentrate, depression, preoccupation with their loss, sadness, grief, shame and fear following the incarceration.” However, children who often visit their incarcerated parents and do so under favorable conditions “exhibit fewer adjustment problems.” As for the prisoners, those who maintain strong family ties behave better during incarceration, re-enter society with better success, and have a lower rate of recidivism.

Many correctional facilities in Illinois are remotely located from the Chicago population. The sheer distance discourages many families from visiting their relatives in prison. The high costs of transportation, food and lodging, not to mention the substantial amount of time involved, are additional inhibiting factors. Most importantly, however, the prison can be an inimical environment for children so that a visit there may be traumatic. As a result, many families opt for telephone contact. Unfortunately, telephone contact is totally unsatisfactory. Not only is it expensive for the families because all calls from prison must be collect calls, but also frustrating to the children because they do not see their parents.

Virtual Visitation for Incarcerated Fathers
For years, I have been warning of the damage done to children who grow up without contact with their fathers. Due to the large population of incarcerated fathers in Illinois, many children are growing up fatherless. Extensive research has shown that children whose fathers are involved in their lives perform better in school, complete more years of schooling, have fewer behavioral problems, have better cognitive and psychological development, experience less poverty, are less likely to drink and use drugs, and have better self-control.

As the chairman of the Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood and as a fathers’ rights advocate, I have been pushing for the creation of a virtual visitation program for incarcerated fathers in Illinois. This program will enable children to interact with their incarcerated fathers via real-time video and audio conferencing, eliminating the problems associated with traveling to and visiting the prison. Instead, visits can be scheduled in a child-friendly environment - with toys and appropriate furnishings and decorations.

I have co-authored an amendment to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act to provide for reasonable visitation between a child and a non-custodial parent through electronic communication including video conferencing. This bill (SB1590) is awaiting a decision at the Illinois State Senate, and would give legal support to the virtual visitation program for incarcerated fathers that I advocate.

Virtual visitation with inmates is not a new concept. The pioneer seems to have been the State of Pennsylvania, where a program began in 2001. The Pennsylvania Family Virtual Visitation, created by The Prison Society in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, provides high-tech video conferencing equipment that allows families to visit in "real time" with their loved ones who are incarcerated. For a small fee of $20, families can schedule a 55-minute visit once a month. According to The Prison Society, inmates, family members, and prison staff have expressed their support for and appreciation of this program. Correctional officers have reported that many inmates are better adjusted and seem happier after virtual visits. Virtual visitors express how important and meaningful the program is to the health and welfare of their families.

In Florida, there is a program called Reading and Family Ties, which allows incarcerated mothers to read stories to their children using live video via the Internet. The program has been credited with enhancing family unity, easing inmates’ transition back to society and improving literacy for both parents and children.

In Illinois, we, too, have had success with a pilot program for incarcerated mothers, but none for fathers. Through this incarcerated mother program, which was created through the partnership between the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Women’s Treatment Center, staff are available to the families prior to, during and after each visit to address their needs, and to ensure that the visit is child-focused.

A subsidiary benefit of virtual visitation for incarcerated fathers is the rehabilitation of the father, but the most cogent reason for implementing this program is the welfare of the child. It is past the time for Illinois to enact a law and establish a program that help the tens of thousands of children have a relationship with their incarcerated fathers.

[me]

This was the part I was trying to point out in the article below but for some reason I couldn't highlight it.
It says that their already was a pilot program here in IL. for mothers.

In Illinois, we, too, have had success with a pilot program for incarcerated mothers, but none for fathers. Through this incarcerated mother program, which was created through the partnership between the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Women’s Treatment Center, staff are available to the families prior to, during and after each visit to address their needs, and to ensure that the visit is child-focused.

A subsidiary benefit of virtual visitation for incarcerated fathers is the rehabilitation of the father, but the most cogent reason for implementing this program is the welfare of the child.

[babybabybaby]

Here in Kankakee county we use video visits at the jail. You heard how the guards are so quick to spout off and say we (the loved ones) won't be able to bring contraban. Well, our little old county jail got all clean of drugs -- after they busted the punk c/O' who were bringing the drugs in.    Video visits do not stop contraban.

The c/O's should come out against this because where would there be a sweeter job to work when you have all the big seniority?? Oh yeah incompetent Warden. that is another revolving door job for chumps at the end of their tenure.
And how the heck is a dishonest c/o gonna make a dishonest buck at work?  
My lo tells me the main use for cash in prison is to buy drugs. I am just crazy enough to surmise the c/o's need money, an inmate doesn't. They don't take write outs at Jewel or Kroger! This would all be so hilarious and bite the chumps in the butt.

The touch of my loved ones hand is priceless.

[plainjane]

babybabybaby,

Is that exclusive? I've heard of jails that have set ups at the actual location, and they use video for all visits. It's horrid. All no contact. It seems to me that they are proposing an alternative, e.g., webcasts for people from far away. Hence, the goal is they will not have to relocate people to be closer to their families.

[boop]

I can understand if they allow both, but don't take away my visits to see him.

[humbird37]

Same here....boop!  Video would be nice if a person could not be there for some reason, but other wise I want the  visits....Humbird

[RT]

Virtual conjugal visits....inmates having cyber sex.....

I am waiting to see who the first person is to get banned from video visitation...LOL!


Rick

[eb2008]

Virtual conjugal visits....inmates having cyber sex.....

I am waiting to see who the first person is to get banned from video visitation...LOL!


Rick

I'm guessing IF at all possible *raises hand* That would be me 

[chippyn]

I guess its a good idea so we can see our lo's more often but i would much rather see and be with my hubby in person. I kno many inmates look forward to hugging and kissing their family.

[babybabybaby]

babybabybaby,

Is that exclusive? I've heard of jails that have set ups at the actual location, and they use video for all visits. It's horrid. All no contact. It seems to me that they are proposing an alternative, e.g., webcasts for people from far away. Hence, the goal is they will not have to relocate people to be closer to their families.

in our county it is exclusive  And not very compassionate. Jail is temporary. So I think it is safe to say we all would want to see other options in prisons.

Incarceration is closely related to poverty. Not all of us are broke. But, there are times that long trip, or an extra bill that needs paid can weigh heavy on your mind as you plan for a visit. this would be a viable option for persons of little means and poor health. 

[TimeStandsStill]

I just received this e-mail from JHA:

Dear Friend of the John Howard Association,


Every now and again we at JHA come across a good idea. We think if you read our brief report below, you will find a concept that helps keep families united, costs little and makes a great deal of sense.


As always, we appreciate your support.

Robert Manor

Prison & Jail Monitor
John Howard Association
(312) 503-6302
rmanoratthejha.org


Video Visits For Illinois Inmates And Families

Summary: A winner.

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is testing video visiting to make it easier for inmates to remain in touch with family and friends, a critical factor in an ex- offender's return to society.

 
Three computers equipped with video cameras have been installed at the Westside Adult Transition Center in Chicago. They allow visitors to meet with inmates at Dwight and Menard correctional centers and Tamms supermax prison.

 

Eventually IDOC hopes to make video visits available around the state. This would greatly improve opportunities for inmates to stay in touch with family.

 
Although most inmates held by IDOC are from the Chicago area, many of the state's prisons are located in remote rural areas. Menard, for example, is located 376 miles south and west of Chicago. It can take six hours or more to drive there.

 
Besides the time and effort involved, physical visits can be costly for low-income family members. There is also the uncertainty of actually being able to visit an inmate. Visits are curtailed or prohibited when a prison is on lockdown.

 
The video visits at Westside ATC are still in the experimental stage. But IDOC staff noted that the technology is simple and inexpensive.

 "I would like to see (video visiting) in all the ATCs," said Darryl Coleman, Regional Parole Supervisor.


On a recent visit by John Howard Association staff, two of the video cameras were in use.

 Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Broadview) was chatting with an obviously pleased Menard inmate. Yarbrough has long been interested in correctional issues.

 "I think his spirits were lifted," Yarbrough said. She looked pleased as well.

 Yarbrough said video visiting will have to be revenue neutral, as the state's financial crisis prohibits all but the most vital expenditures. Managers at IDOC are considering out-sourcing the video visits to minimize costs. Users might be asked to pay a small fee in exchange for an hour with an inmate.

 Jesse Montgomery Jr., Chief of Parole, said many details need to be worked out. He said he expects a full video visiting program to be in place within six months to a year.

 Managers at IDOC like the idea of video visiting because it is a privilege, not a right. Inmates are less likely to violate prison rules if they know it will mean the loss of video visitation.

Montgomery and others noted that the longer an inmate is in prison, the less likely he or she is to receive visitors. Isolation impedes a successful return to society.

 Inmates are monitored while using the video camera. Of course, security is enhanced compared to a physical visit as there is no possibility of someone slipping contraband to an inmate.

 Managers at IDOC see other possibilities for the video visiting project. For example, the computers could be used to send e-mail to inmates, avoiding the lengthy delays in delivery of mail to prisons.

 Observation: Video visitation is not a substitute for a physical visit. But it is far superior to no visit at all. The more an inmate remains integrated socially, the more likely he is to return to society successfully.

 Recommendation: Roll out video visitation as soon as practicable at all state prisons. Management of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice should also consider video visitation so that youth can remain connected to their families.

This report was written by Robert Manor, Prison & Jail Monitor for the John Howard Association. He may be reached at (312) 503-6302 or rmanoratthejha.org.

 Since 1901, JHA has provided public oversight of Illinois' juvenile and adult correctional facilities. Every year, JHA staff and trained volunteers inspect prisons, jails and detention centers throughout the state. Based on these inspections, JHA regularly issues reports instrumental in improving prison conditions.

[chippyn]

I still dont like it. A video is not the same as talking face to face and getting to hold your lo's hands. I think this is just another form of torture in my opinion. I really hope they dont do video visits

[humbird37]

It is my understanding the video visits, are not to replace regular visits.....humbird

[Marks_guy]

If they continue to develop this program, I hope they make sure to incluse those of us who are out-of-state. What good are video visits if you have to go to Illinois to use them? If I'm going to travel all that way, I'll just go see M in person.

[chippyn]

Oh i thought they were gonna be like those video visits i saw on lockup. I saw that in arizona (or new mexico not sure)they would go visit but they had to talk into a camera or something and they saw eachother through a screen on the other side of the building.i thought that was horrible. Hopefuly they dont do that in illinois

[Marks_guy]

No, these are supposed to be more like webchat type visits. Sort of like IDOC's answer to skype.

[HisGirl]

This would be good as long as it is addition to regular visits. And yes, it makes no sense if they don't make it available to those out of state.

With the cost of phone calls this could be a good thing, unless they find a way to charge some ridiculous price for this as well.

[chippyn]

Yeah this would be great as long as they didnt get rid of regular visits. But i wonder if they would charge for this?probably.... I cant imagine them doing this for free. But i would pay for it as long as the price wasnt too ridiculous

[loving_Liz]

I love the idea if we can do it from home, what good does it do to make a family member go to IL- I LOVE the email thing the feds have had it your years and not to many problems-I would love the e-mail

[Mrs. G]

Even though I go weekly and monthly to see my bf.. I would love to receive an email from him to start my day or end my day. As well as the kids can chat with him as well. I would rather pay a small monthly fee for the 1 hour chats than drive at times once a week and spend all that money. So it's like either way we got to chat and see one another. I am sure it would be WAY less than a phone call since internet is involved. I know the Feds have it with corrlinks.com and I chat daily with family members and even though I have not seen them in years (due to them being incarcerated in another state) we still keep in touch and it helps them keep up with technology.
Since many inmates entered when pagears were still in business  I am sure using computers would be awesome for them and new to experience and learn about how technology has improved. Even then they might start the schooling again and give computer classes a great thumbs up for our inmates to enter society and have some knowledge.