icsolutions.com

What is ICSolutions.com?

ICSolutions is the billing and communications service provider associated with correctional-facility phone and video visitation systems. Its parent or partner company appears to be ICS Corrections, Inc., which handles inmate communications in various jurisdictions. For example, the website for ICS Corrections notes that “ICSolutions provides prepaid and direct billing services for friends, family members, and attorneys.” (ICSCorrections)

In simple terms: if someone is incarcerated in a facility that uses ICSolutions, then family/friends/attorneys can set up accounts to accept calls or schedule video visits via ICSolutions.

What services does ICSolutions provide?

Here’s a breakdown of the main services:

Prepaid & Direct Billing for Phone Calls

  • People outside the facility can set up a Prepaid Collect account: you pay in advance, then the incarcerated person can call your number, and the funds are used for the call. (ICSCorrections)

  • There is also a Direct Billing option for attorneys, bondsmen, etc., where billing happens monthly. (ICSCorrections)

  • Payment options: online via credit/debit cards, by phone, sometimes mail-in certified check or money order. (ICSCorrections)

Video Visitation and Scheduling

  • ICSolutions handles video visitation in some correctional systems. For example, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) transitioned its video visitation service to ICSolutions. (ICSCorrections)

  • Friends/family create an account, register their phone number or email, link to the facility’s system, and schedule a visit via the “Visitor” system powered by ICSolutions. (The Visitor)

Account Management & Support

  • ICSolutions provides a website (icsolutions.com) where users can create/login accounts, fund services, manage call or visitation schedules. (As indicated in multiple facility notices) (Indiana County Government)

  • Customer support by phone: e.g., for Prepaid Collect service in Illinois: 888-506-8407. (ICSCorrections)

How it works (typical workflow)

Here’s a typical scenario of how someone might use ICSolutions:

  1. A person outside sets up an account at icsolutions.com (or via phone) with their name, address, phone number.

  2. They fund the account (e.g., pay $X via debit/credit) and link their phone number, so that the inmate (in a facility using ICSolutions) is approved to call that number.

  3. The inmate places a call; the system checks that the number is approved and that funds are available, then deducts the cost of the call from the prepaid account (or bills via direct billing).

  4. Alternatively, for video visitation: the outside person registers for video visits, schedules a session via the ICSolutions “Visitor” system, logs in at the scheduled time, and connects with the inmate (subject to facility rules).

  5. If the inmate is released or calls stop, a refund process may be available for unused funds. For example, the Illinois system says you can request refund for unused Prepaid Collect funds. (ICSCorrections)

Rates, limitations and facility rules

  • Example: In Illinois, the rate for “individual in custody” calling domestic U.S. numbers via one facility: $0.008 per minute (so roughly 0.8 cents/minute). International calls: cost plus $0.06/minute, capped at $0.23/minute. (ICSCorrections)

  • There may be restrictions such as: maximum call length, limits on number of calls per time period, blocking of certain number types (800 numbers), monitoring and recording of calls. (ICSCorrections)

  • Video visitation rules: for example, one facility (Kane County, IL) lists: visits must be scheduled 72 hours ahead; adult visitor must present valid ID; children must bring birth certificate; no late arrivals; off-site visits cost $7.50; etc. (Kane County Sheriff)

Why (and when) you might use ICSolutions

  • If a loved one is incarcerated in a facility that uses ICSolutions, this is the channel to stay in touch: via phone calls, video visitation.

  • For attorneys or professional visitors, the direct billing option offers a streamlined way to manage visitation/call access.

  • For family & friends: The service attempts to facilitate real-time connection (calls or video) rather than just letters, which many prefer for maintaining contact.

Things to watch / caveats

  • Just because ICSolutions is “available” doesn’t mean every facility uses it — you must verify that the specific prison/jail uses ICSolutions for its phone/video system.

  • Quality and connectivity: Some user reviews of the ICS mobile app (for video visits) are quite negative (e.g., “calls are ALWAYS choppy, robotic, echoing or dropping” according to some users). (Google Play)

  • Costs and hidden fees: Although rates may be low in some states (like the $0.008/min example), other facilities may have higher costs; also taxes, ancillary fees might apply. Also the requirement to fund the account ahead of time means you need to plan.

  • Scheduling/visitation rules vary widely by facility: Even with ICSolutions you will be subject to the jail or prison’s rules, hours, monitoring, restrictions.**

  • Refunds of unused funds may require action by you: For example, mailing forms, etc. (ICSCorrections)

  • Data privacy / app security: The mobile app data collection, permissions, user experience may be uneven (see user reviews).

  • First-time setup: Some facilities require registration and approval before you can receive calls or video visits — there may be 24-48 hours or more of processing.

Summary

ICSolutions is a service that handles communications (primarily phone calls and video visitation) for inmates in correctional facilities through prepaid accounts or direct billing. If your loved one is incarcerated in a facility that uses ICSolutions, this is likely the system you’ll be using to connect. The process involves creating an account, funding it (in the case of prepaid), scheduling visits (for video in some jurisdictions), and following facility-specific rules. The system offers a way to maintain contact, but it’s subject to limitations and quality can vary.

Key Takeaways

  • ICSolutions provides prepaid/direct billing for inmate calls and video visitation in correctional settings.

  • You must verify that the specific facility uses ICSolutions.

  • Setup involves creating an account, funding it, linking a phone number or scheduling a video session.

  • Rates vary; example: in Illinois one rate was $0.008 per minute for domestic calls.

  • Facility rules (ID verification, scheduling windows, call/visit length limits) apply.

  • Quality of the mobile app and service can be inconsistent.

  • Refunds for unused funds may be possible but require steps.

FAQ

Q: How do I know if the prison uses ICSolutions?
A: Check the prison or jail’s website or contact the facility’s communications or visitation office. For instance, the Illinois Dept. of Corrections site mentions ICSolutions by name in their communication system update. (ICSCorrections)

Q: Can I receive calls on my cell phone?
A: Yes — at least in the Illinois example, you can receive calls on your cell phone once your number is approved and account funded. (ICSCorrections)

Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: Online via credit/debit card; by phone; in some cases by mail (certified check or money order). (ICSCorrections)

Q: Are there refunds available if funds remain after the inmate is released?
A: Yes — for example, the Illinois system says unused prepaid funds can be refunded. (ICSCorrections)

Q: What happens if the video visit or call drops?
A: It depends. For example, the Illinois documentation says you can call customer service and they will investigate — if it’s determined the fault lies with the service, credits may be applied. (ICSCorrections)

Q: Are personal visits affected by this service?
A: This service is about remote communications (calls/video). In-person visits will still be subject to the facility’s policies. For example, one county lists detailed rules for onsite and offsite video visits via ICSolutions. (Kane County Sheriff)

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