Visitation — Ask the Inmate
A visit is one of the most powerful experiences available to both an incarcerated person and their family. The physical presence of someone who loves you, even across a table or through glass, communicates something that letters and phone calls cannot fully replicate. But the visitation process involves rules, approvals, background checks, and scheduling requirements that can be confusing and discouraging for first-time visitors. This section covers how to apply to be on an inmate's visitor list, what the background check process looks like and what disqualifies a visitor, what to expect on your first visit including what to wear, what you can bring, and how the visit itself is conducted, how contact visits differ from non-contact visits, what children need to know before visiting an incarcerated parent, and how to make the most of limited visitation time. The guidance here is practical and comes from people who have been on both sides of the visitation table. See also our sections on Family Services, Relationship Issues, and Inmate Phone Calls.
Related InmateAid Services
Reconnecting with a family member you have not seen in years while they are incarcerated takes patience but it is absolutely possible. Here is how both processes work. Phone calls The phone call process begins entirely on your brother's end. He must initiate everything. He submits your phone number to prison staff for approval and once approved he can call you directly from the facility phones. You cannot call him. There is no inbound call option at any
Read moreYou cannot call an inmate directly at Waupaca County Jail or any other jail or prison. All phone calls must be initiated by the inmate. This is a standard rule across correctional facilities. Inmates are the only ones allowed to place outgoing calls, and those calls are made through the jail’s approved phone system. As for cost, inmates are not charged just to receive a call since incoming calls are not allowed. The cost applies only when they place a
Read moreMost prisons and jails have an array of vending machines. Make sure that you bring plenty of change and one dollar bills. Don't let the inmate handle the money, the guards may cancel your visit.
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