How Do I Use Ameelio?

Ameelio Family Communications
Image credit:
Ameelio.org

Instructions for setting up Ameelio to schedule in-person or video visits

Getting Started Guide for Ameelio

In order to schedule an in-person visit or video call, all visitors must use Ameelio Connect.

All visitors 13 years and older will need to create an Ameelio Connect account after being approved by the DOC to visit.

  • The Ameelio Connect app is available on iPhones, iPads, and Android Phones.
  • Ameelio Connect is also available on computers or laptops.

If neither of these options work for you, and you wish to schedule an in-person visit, please contact the facility where the individual is incarcerated and request help to manually schedule a visit.

How to video: Here is a link to the YouTube walkthrough video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ImRjVIJ9no

STEP 1 - Apply to be an approved visitor

1. Confirm that the incarcerated person you want to meet with is at a facility that currently uses Ameelio Connect. List of facilities using Ameelio Connect currently.

2. Apply to be a visitor. Details about applying and about denials.

Please view the Iowa Department of Corrections Visiting Policy for more information on the DOC application and visiting process. 

Relevant FAQs:

STEP 2: Create your Ameelio account

You can either download the Connect mobile app or use the Ameelio Connect website:

You will first need to create an account.

Video about getting started

Relevant FAQs:

STEP 3: Request contacts

After creating an account, go to the Contacts page and select “Request contact.” You will then be asked to identify the incarcerated person you wish to meet with (by searching by their name or inmate ID number), specify your relationship to them, and provide photos of your government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or a passport). 

You will be asked to take and share three photos:

  1. The front of your ID.
  2. The back of your ID.
  3. A picture of you holding your ID with the photo on the ID facing the camera. You will need to be wearing appropriate clothing (shirt with sleeves) with nothing inappropriate in the background.

IMPORTANT: Only the visitation staff will have access to your documents

Relevant FAQs:

STEP 4: Wait to be notified about facility approval

After you add your contact, the Iowa DOC will then review your request to be an approved video visitor. Once you are approved, we will notify you by email so you can start scheduling video calls or in-person visits with your loved one.

Relevant FAQs:

STEP 5: Schedule visit

Once you have been notified you’ve been approved, you can now schedule visits with your loved one. Select the approved contact you’d like to visit and then select “Schedule event” and select the type of visit and available date from the provided calendar. 

Once you’ve scheduled, your visit will need to be approved by DOC. (Ameelio does not approve or reject any visit request.) Once it’s approved, you are prepared to show up to your visit with your loved one!

IMPORTANT: All visitors 18 years of age or older must bring with them to all in-person visits a government-issued ID.

Relevant FAQs:

Ameelio Customer Support

Ameelio staff cannot approve or deny contacts, personal identification documents, or visits, as this is managed by facility staff. Please view the Iowa Department of Corrections Visiting Policy for more information on the DOC application and visiting process. 

For assistance with completing tasks in Ameelio such as setting up an account, changing a password change, and addressing connectivity issues, use the following customer support options for assistance. Please do not call the facility for this type of support.