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Pa. family comes together through new prison virtual visitation

Prison visitations are on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections launched a new video visitation program to help families see their loved ones.

Several prisons have seen outbreaks of the coronavirus, while others are also releasing some inmates to prevent further spread.

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Channel 11’s Michele Newell talked to one local family who has benefitted from the DOC’s virtual visitation program.

For so long, conversations between Aaron Henderson and his father only happened over the phone or when Henderson was able to visit his dad.

“He’s been away since he was two years old and he’s 11 now,” said Joelisa McDonald, the boy’s mother.

McDonald knows what it’s like firsthand to experience the challenges of getting her son to SCI Houztdale. The prison is about two hours from Pittsburgh, and getting inside can be difficult.

“We don’t see him often and that one time that I finally built up the strength and courage and setting the time to go I was turned away because I had a wire in my bra,” McDonald said.

Henderson was only able to visit his dad once last year, but the new state prison program is making it easier for this father and son to connect more often.

There is a list of requirements you have to meet before you can request a video visit. Once you meet those requirements, be prepared to wait because slots fill up quickly.

For more information on scheduling virtual visits and requirements, click here.