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Visitation Questions — 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.

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Visitation
Can i fill out a visitation form on-line and if so how?
This depends on the facility, but most places want you to mail it in so that the signature is visible.…

This depends on the facility, but most places want you to mail it in so that the signature is visible.
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Visitation
How do I visit my inmate in the Rio Grande Detention Center?
GEO facilities are privately run and are very conscious of sticking to the protocol they design that got them the contract in the first place.…

GEO facilities are privately run and are very conscious of sticking to the protocol they design that got them the contract in the first place. This means that the visitation is a tightly run operation where you will have to go through the screening process before being allowed visits. We encourage you to call the facility and speak with a counselor before setting a date to visit (956) 718-4700.
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Visitation
What if i don't have an ID, would there be any other way i can go visit my inmate without it?
No.…

No. You will need to have a valid government issued ID like a driver's license, a passport or something that lets the staff know who you are and that your ID matches the name on the approval list.
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Visitation
Can I bring in a package for an inmate, if so what's allowed?
This is something that is not allowed in most facilities, therefore you should call the facility and speak to a counselor to find out the specific rules at…

This is something that is not allowed in most facilities, therefore you should call the facility and speak to a counselor to find out the specific rules at their institution before you arrive.
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Visitation
Can I visit a federal inmate if I was an inmate previously?
Gift boxes are not permitted in any federal facility - all goods and sundries must be purchased through the institution's commissary.…

Gift boxes are not permitted in any federal facility - all goods and sundries must be purchased through the institution's commissary. Visitation for you will be a challenge. The federal system requires potential visitors to register with an application that is processed through the NCIC database. If you come up as a felon in their search your visitation will be denied. If you petition the warden at FCI Ashland and thoroughly explain your situation, your crime and your incarceration -...
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Visitation
Can I visit my son, I am currently on probation?
Probably, because you are his mother, but you will definitely need [permission from the warden's office beforehand.…

Probably, because you are his mother, but you will definitely need [permission from the warden's office beforehand.
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Visitation
Can a visitor wear an Apple watch into visiting area?
Only if they do not know what it is.…

Only if they do not know what it is. If they do recognize it, they will most definitely have you take it to your car if you wish to continue the visit. Cellphones are not allowed.
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Visitation
puedo tener una visita conyugal con mi novio en la carcel del comdado de ventura
Hay muy pocas instalaciones que permiten las visitas conyugales.…

Hay muy pocas instalaciones que permiten las visitas conyugales. Ninguna de las cárceles del condado permiten las visitas conyugales, algunas prisiones estatales todavía lo hacen, pero sólo de forma muy limitada. Los requisitos son que el visitante debe estar casada con el preso para poder ser considerada/o.
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Visitation
My husband has been at NRC for a few month, why can't he get visits?
The Northern Reception and Classification Center (NRC) functions as the major adult male intake and processing unit for the entire state of Illinois.…

The Northern Reception and Classification Center (NRC) functions as the major adult male intake and processing unit for the entire state of Illinois. There are some visitation stipulations placed on inmates that have not gone through the entire protocol before being granted visitation privileges. It does appear to be an abnormally long time, maybe try calling the facility and asking to speak with the chaplain. Explain yourself *with humility* (they are still employees of the prison) and see if they...
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Visitation
What are the rules for visitation and getting on an inmate's visiting list?
This depends on the rules of the specific facility.…

This depends on the rules of the specific facility. Some require an application and background check, others allow you to walk in with a valid ID. We would strongly advise you to call the facility itself and ask to speak with someone about the visitation rules.
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Visitation
How do you get a visit if you are denied permission due to being on probation?
To get a special visitor's permission you would need to contact the warden and ask them to grant you a visit.…

To get a special visitor's permission you would need to contact the warden and ask them to grant you a visit. Depending on the crime in which you are on probation for, you have a 50/50 change of getting this approved. Be patient, this is not an easy and swift process.
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Visitation
Can a inmate still get a visit if they in the box?
Yes - sometimes, there are some instances where inmates are allowed visits even if they are relegated to the SHU.…

Yes - sometimes, there are some instances where inmates are allowed visits even if they are relegated to the SHU. You might call the facility and ask to speak with their case manager before taking the trip to visit so that you are certain they are able to receive you.
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Visitation
If you have a felony on your record, does that effect being able to visit an inmate?
Yes, you will need to get permission from the warden to get an approval.…

Yes, you will need to get permission from the warden to get an approval. They do an NCIC background check before approving the visitors. It is in your best interest to address this issue *before applying*, because they will find out and that might make your approval more difficult.
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Visitation
I would like to know if other women are visiting my boyfriend
The visiting list and the inmate visits are protected by privacy laws.…

The visiting list and the inmate visits are protected by privacy laws.
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Visitation
How do I find out if I'm on my husbands visitation list yet?
The facility will not notify you, your inmate gets the approvals so you will have to get your information from him…

The facility will not notify you, your inmate gets the approvals so you will have to get your information from him
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