Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 1.23.10 PMSan Francisco-based technology company Telmate announced its partnership with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Child Protective Services to sponsor children in foster care so that they connect with their incarcerated loved ones during the holiday season.

The department reports they have approximately four children in foster care at any given time with an incarcerated parent. According to Telmate Spokesperson Jeff Hansen, video visits are the most efficient means for friends and family members to stay in touch. Telmate’s video visits are offered online both onsite and remotely, saving families time and money to visit their incarcerated loved ones in person.

“Being estranged from your parents is already jarring enough in a kid’s life” Hansen said. “We wanted to do what we can to bring lives together through Telmate’s video visits.”

Family and Community Services Officer Catherine Bratt noted, “The program itself has been amazing and is working wonderfully, we have been able to facilitate the visits with no problems.”

For more information about Telmate’s Kids GO First program, please contact joann@telmate.com.