Community and Legislative Affairs
A Message From The Director
Welcome to the Virginia Department of Corrections Community and Legislative Affairs information page. At the Department, we believe that stronger, safer communities are built through openness, partnership, and a shared commitment to positive change. This office represents our dedication to expanding access to the Department and deepening our engagement with the many individuals, families, organizations, and leaders who play a vital role in shaping the future of corrections in Virginia.
Whether you are seeking information, raising concerns, exploring opportunities to collaborate, or simply wanting to better understand our system, we are here to listen and to ensure your voice reaches the right places within the Department. By fostering transparency, strengthening communication, and promoting inclusive participation, we aim to support meaningful progress for incarcerated individuals, those under supervision, and the communities to which they belong.
Thank you for visiting, and for being part of the ongoing effort to build a more informed, accessible, and responsive correctional system for the Commonwealth.
The Office of Community and Legislative Affairs serves as a dynamic gateway for meaningful engagement, open communication, and collaborative problem solving between the Virginia Department of Corrections and the communities it serves. Guided by a forward looking commitment to broaden access to the Department, the office strives to create pathways for deeper understanding, stronger partnerships, and more inclusive participation in shaping a safer, more supportive correctional system.
Dedicated to transparency, responsiveness, and long term trust, the office works hand in hand with family members, friends, advocacy groups, community organizations, and legislators. Its mission is to ensure that every voice has a place to be heard and that questions and concerns are thoughtfully elevated to the right areas of the Department. This includes promoting greater access to information and engagement on facility operations, probation matters, conditions of confinement, and the wide range of programs and services offered throughout the Department.
The Office of Community and Legislative Affairs oversees several key units that support this mission:
- Correspondence Unit – Manages and coordinates responses to public inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate, and compassionate communication.
- Visitation Unit – Supports safe and meaningful visitation experiences by guiding policy interpretation, addressing visitation concerns, and helping families remain connected to their loved ones.
- Operations Support Unit – Manages the volunteer and intern application processes, oversees property and the provision of religious services, and administers contracts for essential services such as commissary, cable, tablets, phones, and law library resources.
- Legislative Liaison – Serves as the primary point of contact for members of the General Assembly, providing policy insight, coordinating legislative requests, and communicating the Department’s perspectives and operational realities.
Through these functions, the Office of Community and Legislative Affairs plays a vital role in strengthening trust, enhancing transparency, and fostering constructive dialogue that supports the Department’s mission and the Commonwealth.