Being on probation disqualifies you from the standard visitor approval process, regardless of whether you are family or not. The background check that every visitor goes through flags active probation, parole, and felony convictions, and the result is an automatic denial through normal channels.
The rule applies equally to family members and friends. A mother on probation faces the same barrier as a friend on probation. The relationship to the inmate does not change the underlying disqualification.
That does not mean the door is permanently closed. The warden is the only person at the facility with authority to override this restriction, and wardens do grant exceptions in certain circumstances. The path forward is a written request to the warden's office that makes the strongest possible case for why the visit should be allowed. Family relationships, particularly close ones like a parent, spouse, or sibling, carry the most weight in these requests. The nature of the probation, how long it has been active, the underlying offense, and how the person has conducted themselves since being placed on supervision all factor into how sympathetically the warden receives the request.
The approach matters as much as the facts. A letter that is humble, respectful, and forward-looking gives the request the best possible chance. One that comes across as entitled or argumentative goes nowhere.
There is no guarantee the warden grants it, but for people with a genuine relationship to the inmate and a compelling case to make, the request is worth the effort. In the meantime, letters through InmateAid keep communication open without any approval process required.