Community and Legislative Affairs — Virginia Department of Corrections

The Office of Community and Legislative Affairs serves as a central hub for engagement, communication, and collaboration between the Virginia Department of Corrections and its many stakeholders. The office is dedicated to fostering transparent, responsive, and solutions‑oriented relationships with individuals and groups who share an interest in the well‑being of incarcerated people, those on probation, and the broader correctional system.

With a commitment to accessibility and accountability, the office works closely with family members, friends, advocacy organizations, community partners, and legislators to ensure concerns are heard, addressed, and thoughtfully communicated across the Department. This includes responding to inquiries related to facility operations, probation matters, conditions of confinement, programs, and services.

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.