In-person visits aren't the only way to stay connected, and for a lot of families they're not even the main way.
Video visitation
Most BOP facilities now offer video visitation you can do from home -- no travel, no security line, and it's especially good for younger kids who do better with shorter, lower-pressure contact. Importantly, video visits don't count against the monthly in-person visit minimum, so they're additive, not a replacement that uses up your visit allowance.
Phone calls
Simpler and available basically everywhere, though obviously without the face-to-face piece. For very young kids, even a short weekly call helps keep the relationship alive between visits.
What's changing
As of mid-2026, the BOP announced a nationwide rollout of secure tablets across federal facilities, expanding messaging and video communication access system-wide -- specifically aimed at families who live too far away to visit regularly. If your facility hasn't rolled this out yet, it's worth asking about, since it's actively expanding.
The practical takeaway
If distance, cost, or a child's age makes frequent in-person visits hard, video visitation and calls aren't a consolation prize -- they're a legitimate way to keep a real relationship going between the trips you can make.