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The Dark Side of Prison Visitation: When Family Members Are Exploited

Published on February 18, 2025, by InmateAid

Table of Contents

Introduction

Visiting a loved one in prison is meant to be a time for connection, support, and reassurance. But for many families, what should be a simple act of maintaining relationships has turned into an expensive and emotionally draining ordeal. Across the country, prison systems and private corporations profit from the barriers they place on visitation, creating a system that exploits families—many of whom are already struggling financially.

The Hidden Costs of Staying Connected

For those unfamiliar with the realities of incarceration, the financial burden of visitation may come as a shock. While many facilities offer in-person visits free of charge, families must often travel long distances, taking time off work and paying for gas, food, and lodging just to spend an hour or two with their loved one. However, the costs don’t stop there.

With the rise of video visitation services, some facilities have deliberately eliminated or restricted in-person visits, forcing families to rely on paid virtual alternatives. Companies like Securus and GTL charge exorbitant rates for video calls—sometimes as much as $1 per minute, turning what should be a right into a privilege only the financially stable can afford.

In addition to video calls, phone calls remain a major financial burden. Although federal prisons have reduced the cost of inmate phone calls, many state and county facilities still allow private telecom companies to set the rates. Families may find themselves paying up to $20 for a 15-minute call, with hidden fees that inflate costs even further.

Prisons Profit Off Basic Human Needs

Even when families manage to visit in person, they are often met with pay-to-play systems inside the facility. Many jails and prisons prohibit outside food or drinks, requiring visitors to purchase from on-site vending machines at inflated prices. Some even charge for the plastic visitation ID cards or impose fees for background checks before approving visitors.

At some locations, children hoping to visit an incarcerated parent must wear facility-approved attire that can only be purchased from a prison vendor, turning a family visit into a revenue stream for the correctional system.

Perhaps one of the most egregious practices is the privatization of visitation scheduling systems. In some states, families must pay a non-refundable fee just to book an appointment online. If a visit is canceled due to a lockdown or facility staffing shortage—something entirely outside of the family's control—the money is gone.

Eliminating In-Person Visitation: A Deliberate Business Strategy

While some prisons justify cutting in-person visitation as a safety measure, the real driving force often boils down to profits and convenience. Correctional facilities save money when they don’t have to assign staff to monitor visiting areas, and private contractors make millions from charging families for video calls instead.

In some counties, video visitation has become the only option, even for local families who could have visited in person for free. The result? Fewer human connections, more isolation, and a heavier financial burden on those left behind. Studies have shown that maintaining family bonds reduces recidivism, yet the growing trend of eliminating in-person visits directly undermines this evidence-based approach to rehabilitation.

How Families Can Fight Back

Though the system is deeply entrenched, advocacy and awareness can make a difference. Here’s what families can do:

  • Push for legislative change: Some states have already passed laws capping the cost of prison phone calls or mandating in-person visits. Supporting similar efforts can lead to reform.
  • Use advocacy groups: Organizations like the Prison Policy Initiative and Worthy Bonds actively fight against exploitative prison policies.
  • Hold facilities accountable: Public pressure through social media, petitions, and community engagement can force jails and prisons to reconsider harmful visitation policies.
  • Know your rights: Families should research state-specific policies and challenge any facility that imposes unfair financial burdens outside of standard regulations.

12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do some prisons charge families for video visitation?

Many correctional facilities contract with private companies that provide video visitation services, such as Securus or GTL. These companies charge per minute for calls, and in some cases, facilities eliminate free in-person visits to push families toward paid alternatives.

2. Are in-person visits being phased out in all prisons?

Not all facilities have eliminated in-person visitation, but many county jails and private prisons have moved toward video-only visitation as a cost-cutting measure, despite evidence that family contact reduces recidivism.

3. How much do video visits and phone calls cost?

The cost of video visits can range from $0.50 to $1.00 per minute, while phone calls may cost $3 to $20 for 15 minutes, depending on the facility and telecom provider. Some states have enacted pricing caps, but others still allow predatory pricing.

4. Can families bring food or gifts for their incarcerated loved ones during visits?

Most facilities prohibit visitors from bringing outside food, drinks, or gifts. Some jails allow purchases from on-site vending machines, but prices are often inflated, making even a simple snack a costly expense.

5. Are there hidden fees associated with visiting an inmate?

Yes. Some facilities charge booking fees for visitation appointments, require visitors to pay for background checks, or enforce policies that force families to purchase specific clothing for minors before they are allowed to visit.

6. What happens if a scheduled visit is canceled by the jail?

If a facility cancels a visit due to a lockdown, staff shortages, or technical issues, families typically do not receive a refund for any fees paid to schedule the visit. This means families bear the financial loss despite having no control over the cancellation.

7. Do inmates receive a portion of the money from visitation fees?

No. The majority of the revenue generated from phone calls, video visits, and commissary purchases goes to private corporations and, in some cases, a portion is shared with the correctional facility itself. Inmates do not benefit financially.

8. Why do phone calls from prison cost so much?

Correctional telecom providers sign exclusive contracts with jails and prisons, allowing them to charge inflated rates without competition. These contracts often include profit-sharing agreements, where a portion of the revenue goes back to the facility, incentivizing high prices. You might qualify for lower phone rates if you are going to talk with your inmate often.

9. Are there any organizations working to reduce the cost of visitation and communication?

Yes. Groups such as the Prison Policy Initiative, Worthy Bonds, and Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) advocate for lower costs, increased transparency, and policies that protect the rights of incarcerated individuals and their families.

10. How do prisons justify eliminating in-person visits?

Facilities often cite security concerns, contraband prevention, and cost reduction as reasons for eliminating in-person visitation. However, critics argue that the real motivation is financial—forcing families to pay for video visits and phone calls generates revenue for both prisons and their corporate partners.

11. Can families challenge excessive visitation fees?

Yes, but it requires legal action or advocacy efforts. Some states have introduced legislation to cap prison phone and video call rates, but change often happens slowly. Families can also file complaints with regulatory agencies or seek assistance from prisoner rights organizations.

12. What can families do to advocate for fair visitation policies?

Families can:

  • Support legislation aimed at reducing the cost of inmate communication.
  • Join advocacy groups that fight against exploitative prison policies.
  • Raise awareness by sharing personal stories and contacting local representatives.
  • Pressure correctional facilities by petitioning for in-person visitation rights to be reinstated

Conclusion

Visitation should never be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. Family bonds are essential for rehabilitation, emotional well-being, and successful reintegration into society. Yet, many correctional institutions treat visitation as another profit-driven industry, placing yet another burden on the loved ones of those incarcerated.

Unless more families and advocates push back against these predatory practices, the cost of staying connected will continue to rise, deepening the divide between inmates and the outside world. It’s time for real reform—to prioritize human connection over corporate profits and ensure that no family is forced to choose between financial survival and supporting their incarcerated loved one