The criminal justice system can often be isolating, not just for the individuals who are incarcerated but also for their families and loved ones on the outside. Maintaining communication during incarceration is crucial for preserving relationships, providing emotional support, and assisting with reintegration upon release. The ConnectNetwork app, developed by ViaPath Technologies (formerly known as GTL), was designed to bridge this gap between inmates and those who care about them. It is a secure platform that facilitates telephone calls, messaging, and other forms of communication services for correctional facilities across the United States.
What is the ConnectNetwork App?
The ConnectNetwork app is part of a larger suite of digital services offered through the ConnectNetwork.com website. Specifically tailored for use by friends and families of incarcerated individuals, the app enables users to maintain an ongoing connection with their loved ones through a secure and user-friendly mobile interface. Available on both Android and iOS platforms, the app allows users to participate in a variety of communication and account management tasks from virtually anywhere.
Key Features of the ConnectNetwork App
The app offers several essential services, depending on the correctional facility’s available options. Here are some of the core features:
- Account Management: Users can create and manage an AdvancePay® account, which allows them to fund phone calls and messaging services for their incarcerated loved ones.
- Messaging: Secure e-messaging allows individuals on the outside to send and receive messages similar to email, depending on the facility’s services.
- Phone Services: The app enables users to add funds, view call history and manage prepaid accounts that inmates can use to make telephone calls.
- Video Visitation: At selected facilities, families can schedule and participate in video visits via the app, offering face-to-face interaction without a physical visit.
- Trust Deposits: The app also supports the option of sending money to an inmate’s trust account for commissary or other approved uses.
How to Use the ConnectNetwork App
The process of getting started with the ConnectNetwork app is straightforward. Here is a brief overview:
- Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create an account using your name and contact information.
- Search for the facility and inmate with whom you wish to communicate.
- Choose the type of service–messaging, phone, video, or deposit–and follow the on-screen instructions to begin.
- Add funds through a secure payment gateway to support communication activities.
The application uses encryption and other security measures to ensure that personal data and communications are kept confidential. This emphasis on privacy is particularly important given the sensitive nature of prison communications.
Benefits of Using ConnectNetwork
ConnectNetwork offers several measurable advantages to both inmates and their families:
- Improved Emotional Well-being: Regular, meaningful contact can reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes for inmates and their families alike.
- Reduced Recidivism: Consistent family engagement has been linked to lower rates of reoffending after release.
- Convenience and Flexibility: The ability to communicate across distances at any time removes many physical and timing-based limitations of prison visits.
Limitations and Considerations
Despite its many advantages, it is important to consider the limitations and responsibilities involved in using the ConnectNetwork app. Service fees may apply for phone calls or messaging, and prices can vary depending on facility and service provider regulations. Additionally, services available in the app are entirely dependent on what the correctional institution chooses to support. Therefore, not all features may be accessible at every facility.
Users are encouraged to review the terms of service and pricing details carefully. Responsible use of the application ensures ongoing communication remains respectful, secure, and compliant with correctional protocols.
Conclusion
The ConnectNetwork app serves as a vital tool in maintaining human connection during incarceration. By offering a secure, reliable, and user-friendly platform, it helps reduce barriers to communication that so often exacerbate the challenges of imprisonment. Although it cannot replace the physical presence of a loved one, ConnectNetwork bridges an important emotional and logistical divide, helping families maintain their bonds despite challenging circumstances.