WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF) is a juvenile detention facility in Racine, Wisconsin,
operated by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
Young people held here are in the juvenile justice system - not the adult criminal system. Juvenile detention is governed by different rules, different courts, and different rights than adult incarceration. If your child or a young person you care about is detained here, this page is designed to help you understand what is happening and what to do right now. Information on this page was last verified August 2026.
InmateAid has been helping families navigate detention and the justice system since 2012. Our founder served 66 months in federal custody. We know what it means to have a family member taken away, and we built this resource so families have the information they need when they need it most. InmateAid holds a BBB A+ rating.
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Call WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF) directly at 262-638-1999 - this is the fastest confirmation. Juvenile facility rosters are not always publicly searchable in the same way adult jail rosters are, because juvenile records are confidential in most states.
Steps to confirm your child is at WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF):
1. Call 262-638-1999 and identify yourself as the parent or legal guardian
2. Provide your child's full legal name and date of birth
3. Ask for confirmation of admission and the name of the assigned case manager or youth advocate
4. Ask what the next scheduled court date is and which court it is in
If you have not been notified of the detention and you believe your child may have been arrested, also contact the arresting law enforcement agency and Wisconsin juvenile court for your jurisdiction.
Yes - and this is one of the most important things to understand immediately.
In most states, law enforcement is required to notify a parent or legal guardian promptly after a juvenile is taken into custody. In many states, a juvenile cannot be questioned without a parent or guardian present, or without a knowing and voluntary waiver of that right. If your child was questioned before you were notified, document that and consult a juvenile defense attorney immediately.
Your rights as a parent during juvenile detention typically include:
-- The right to be notified of the detention promptly
-- The right to visit during approved hours
-- The right to communicate with your child by phone
-- The right to be present at court hearings
-- The right to retain legal counsel for your child
Contact WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF) at 262-638-1999 immediately, identify yourself as the parent or guardian, and ask to be connected with your child's assigned case manager or youth advocate. Ask what proceedings are underway and what your participation rights are.
Juvenile court is a separate court system designed for young people, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Key differences from adult criminal court:
Confidentiality: Juvenile proceedings and records are typically confidential in Wisconsin. This protects your child's record from public access in most circumstances.
Disposition not conviction: The outcome of a juvenile proceeding is a disposition, not a criminal conviction. This distinction matters for your child's future - a juvenile disposition generally does not carry the same lifelong consequences as an adult conviction.
No jury trial in most cases: A juvenile court judge makes the determination, not a jury.
Rehabilitation focus: Juvenile courts have access to a range of interventions - counseling, community service, probation, treatment programs - that are not typically available in adult court.
Adult court transfer: Serious offenses and repeat offenders can be transferred to adult court in Wisconsin. If adult court transfer is possible in your child's case, a juvenile defense attorney needs to be involved immediately. An adult conviction follows your child for life in ways a juvenile disposition typically does not.
Contact a licensed juvenile defense attorney in Wisconsin as soon as possible. Read InmateAid's what to expect guide for general context on the justice process.
Juvenile detention does not use traditional bail in most states. Instead, a detention hearing is typically held within 24 to 72 hours of admission. At that hearing a juvenile court judge determines whether your child should remain detained or be released to parent or guardian custody with conditions.
Factors the judge considers include the nature of the offense, prior record, whether the young person is a flight risk, and whether release to a parent or guardian provides adequate supervision and community safety.
If your child is held following a detention hearing, subsequent hearings are scheduled on a timeline set by Wisconsin juvenile justice law. A juvenile defense attorney can petition for release at any stage.
For cases where adult court transfer has occurred and traditional bail applies, read InmateAid's bail and bond guide for a full walkthrough.
Visitation rules at juvenile detention facilities are set by the facility and Wisconsin juvenile justice regulations. Contact WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF) at 262-638-1999 to confirm:
-- Current visiting days and hours
-- Whether advance registration or approval is required
-- What identification you must bring
-- Whether siblings or other family members are permitted
-- Any specific rules about what you can bring or wear
Juvenile facilities typically permit immediate family members to visit. Extended family and friends may require advance approval. Call before making the trip - hours can change without notice. Read InmateAid's visitation guide for a general pre-visit checklist.
WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF) - Visitation
VISITING HOURS
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 3:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
General Population
Max Amount of Visiting Hours per Week: Nine (9) Hours
Max Amount of Visits per Day: One (1)
Max Amount of Visits per Week: Three (3)
Max Amount of Visitors per Visit Day: 12 (6 adults and 6 children)
Restrictive Housing
Max Amount of Visiting Hours per Week - Three (3) Hours
Max Amount of Visits per Day: One (1)
Max Amount of Visits per Week: Three (3)
Max Amount of Visitors per Visit Day: Three (3) for one hour
1. One visitor must be an adult.
2. All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor’s list. No exceptions.
3. The week begins on Tuesday and ends on Sunday or a Holiday Monday.
4. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday visits may last up to three (3) hours for general population inmates. 5. Saturday, Sunday and Holiday general population visits may last up to two (2) hours. Inmates may have only one visit on a weekend, holiday or holiday weekend combination.
6. Holidays are: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, The Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve Day.
7. Visiting hours may be shortened due to space availability. Efforts will be made to accommodate all visitors.
8. Visits must begin (45) minutes prior to the end of visiting hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday – last visit begins at 7:45pm
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays – last visit begins at 2:45pm 9.
9. Visiting time does not accumulate and does not carry over from week to week.
VISITOR IDENTIFICATION
All visitors age sixteen (16) and older must have appropriate and valid picture identification. No expired identification will be accepted. Acceptable picture ID’s:
1. Valid State driver’s license/DOT fee receipt with photo
2. Valid Current Passport or Visa
3. Valid Wisconsin Department of Transportation ID
4. Valid Military ID
5. Valid Tribal ID (if it provides a photo)
6. Valid Wisconsin Workforce Development ID
Visitors without an acceptable picture ID will be denied access to the institution. There will be no exceptions regardless of how many times you have visited and/or if you feel the staff should know who you are based on past visits.
Amish visitors who do not possess photo identification as a requirement of their religion shall:
1. Provide the facility with a signed and notarized affidavit from their Bishop. The affidavit shall include the physical description of each proposed visitor.
2. The facility will retain the original affidavit and place a copy in the respective inmate’s Visitor Information file. The visitor(s) shall retain a copy of the affidavit and produce it upon arrival to the facility as a means of identification.
3. Information regarding no photo identification will be entered into the “Relatives/Associates” screen in WICS
VISITOR REQUIREMENTS
1. All visitors, including minors, must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list. An adult, who is on the inmate’s approved visiting list, must accompany all minors unless the minor is the confirmed spouse of the inmate.
2. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and will result in the visitor being denied admittance into the institution. This behavior may also result in a loss of visiting privileges as deemed appropriate by the Security Director.
3. Visitors who smell of alcohol or appear intoxicated or under the influence of any substance will not be allowed into the institution.
4. All visitors entering the institution will be stamped on the right hand with invisible ink. No visitor will be permitted to exit the institution until the lobby staff identifies his/her stamp.
5. Visitors who are not allowed to visit or are denied a visit must leave institution grounds immediately.
6. Special visit requests are submitted by the inmate to his Social Worker no less than five (5) days prior for each occasion. Up to four combined special and/or extended visits are allowed per calendar year. Inmates may request two (2) special visits per calendar year for the same visitor. Special visits do not count towards the three allowable visits per week.
7. Extended visits may be requested by inmates to their Social Workers for visitors who travel 250 miles or more one way, whether or not they are on the inmate’s visiting list, no less than five (5) days prior to the proposed visit. No more than two (2) extended visits for the same person are allowed each calendar year and a combined total of four extended and special visits are allowed each calendar year. Extended visits count towards the three allowable visits for inmates each week.
8. Joint visits: The visitor(s) must be on the inmate’s visiting list and a close family member (biological, adoptive, step and foster parents; spouse, children, grandparents, grandchildren or siblings. A surrogate parent is within the definition of parent if an inmate substantiates the claimed surrogate did in fact act as a parent to the inmate, regardless if the surrogate parent is not an adoptive, foster or step parent). One joint visit per 30 days is allowed by approval from both the inmate’s Social Worker and the Security Director/designee. Joint visits will count as one (1) visit for each inmate for the week.
METAL DETECTOR/SEARCH OF VISITORS
1. All visitors must clear the metal detector before being permitted to enter the facility. Only three attempts to clear the metal detector are allowed. No exceptions.
2. Bobby pins/metal hair clips should be removed before attempting to clear the metal detector.
3. Visitors will proceed through at a normal pace with arms at their side.
4. Visitors will not be allowed entry when wearing clothing with decorative metal or large metal fasteners (i.e. buckles, snaps, metal buttons, etc. such as jean jackets or button fly jeans) Visitors must be able to remove/lock up or replace clothing that will not pass the metal detector.
5. Wire in undergarments and shoes will not pass the metal detector and should not be worn. Effective August 28, 2017 each visitor will be allowed a one-time exception to remove an undergarment. The visitor must still past the metal detector as stated above. All future visits the visitor will not be allowed to remove any undergarments and will be denied visitation on that day.
6. For visitors with special entrance needs, such as medical devices/appliances that render it impossible to clear metal detection, DAI Policy 309.06.02 will apply.
a. If there is a medical reason a visitor cannot pass the metal detector, including wheelchairs and scooters, he/she will be required get a medical clearance signed by a licensed doctor. DOC Form 2424 is available for inmates to send to visitors.
b. Your physician must complete and return this document to the Security Director (RYOCF, P.O Box 2200, Racine, WI 53404-0001) on the medical provider’s letterhead and including the name of the inmate the individual intends to visit. Information received via fax or sent via US Mail from addresses not identified as medical facilities will not be accepted or approved. Pacemaker cards or other cards identifying medical conditions will NOT be accepted as proof of medical condition
c. Until the DOC-2424 is approved, the visitor in question will not be allowed to visit.
d. If the Security Director approves the medical clearance, the visitor will be scanned by a handheld metal detection wand before entering the visiting room.
VISITOR DRESS CODE
1. RYOCF promotes a family friendly atmosphere and visitors should keep this in mind when selecting clothing to wear for their visit. All clothing must be worn in the manner in which it is intended. The following apparel/accessories are prohibited, considered unacceptable and will result in the denial of a visit: a. Watches of all types including smart watches
b. Any wearable items with internet/smart technology and/or electronic recording equipment in any form
c. Transparent clothing (thin white or light colored shirts)
d. Shorts shorter than fingertip length (visitor standing naturally with arms straight down the side of body and fingers extended)
e. Skirts or dresses shorter than fingertip length plus three inches (should a reasonable doubt exist, a ruler will be provided to the visitor to enable the visitor to demonstrate compliance). Style of the upper portion of the dress must meet requirements of a top/shirt.
f. Tops and dresses that are strapless, tube, tank, spaghetti-strap and/or halter top
g. Tops and dresses that expose the midriff (front and/or back) and/or cleavage area
h. Spandex, spandex-like, Lycra or Lycra-like tights, leggings and jeggings
i. Underwear worn on the outside or exposed undergarments
j. Clothing with holes or tears including “stone washed” jeans with partial holes
k. Clothing or accessories with obscene or profane writing, images or pictures
l. Gang-related or club related clothing or insignia. This includes headwear, footwear, logos or insignias. Motorcycle jackets bearing club logos.
m. Hats must be worn with brim facing straight forward at all-times
n. Pants must be pulled up at all times (no sagging)
o. Any clothing with the potential to cause undue attention
p. Footwear shall be worn at all times.
2. Headwear/Hats are permitted
a. Visitors who have religious headwear concealing identity are required to allow institution/center staff to view their face(s) in order to verify identification of the visitor upon entry and exit of the institution. When identification is confirmed, the visitor will be permitted to replace the facial covering.
b. If the visitor is female, a female staff member will conduct the identification verification procedure.
c. Special security precautions may be taken, as authorized by the institution Security Director, to effectively supervise the visit.
3. Acceptable attire shall be worn at all times. Restrictions apply equally to men, women and children.
APPROVED PROPERTY FOR INMATE VISITORS
The following items are not permitted inside the visiting room: watches, wallets, purses, keys, diaper bags, ID’s, electronic paging devices, cameras, cell phones or food items. All articles not approved for entry into the visiting room must be placed in a locker located in the lobby. Lockers are operated with two quarters that are returned to you after returning the key to the locker. The Department of Corrections is not responsible for lost or stolen items stored in lockers by visitors.
1. Visitors are allowed to take the following property into the visiting room after inspection by staff (at staff discretion, items may also be required to be viewed on the x-ray machine):
a. Up to $20 worth of coin money for use in the vending machines per visit. A change machine is available in the lobby.
b. Comb, pick or brush. Limited to one per visitor.
c. Up to two (2) baby blankets per child.
d. Up to four (4) diapers per child. Diaper bags are not allowed.
e. Up to two (2) plastic baby bottles per child. Bottles must be prepared in the lobby before entry to the visiting room is granted.
f. One (1) hand-held baby seat per child.
g. Diaper wipes. Must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
h. One (1) pacifier per child.
i. One (1) institution locker key.
j. Visitors are permitted to bring in medically necessary medication such as inhalers, nitroglycerin, epi pens, etc.
2. Money/Property Brought in on Visits
a. No cash or other personal items will be accepted by facility staff or left in the visiting area for inmates.
b. Money may not be brought in during a visit to be deposited in an inmate’s account. All money for deposit to an inmate’s account must be sent through the mail in the form of a cashier’s check or money order only. (Mailing address is on the last page).
c. Letters, photos and legal papers cannot be brought in during visits. Exceptions may be made with prior written approval by a Security Supervisor during tax time for tax documents requiring the inmate’s signature. No other exceptions will be made.
GENERAL VISITING RULES - RESTRICTIVE HOUSING
1. ALL Restrictive Housing visits are no-contact visits.
2. South Restrictive Housing visits take place in the Visiting Room’s no-contact booths.
3. Main Restrictive Housing visits take place in the Main Restrictive Housing Unit’s no-contact booths.
4. The number of visitors allowed for ANY no-contact visit is limited to three (3) visitors.
5. Of the three (3) visitors only ONE (1) can be a child and MUST be the inmate’s child or sibling.
6. Inmates in Restrictive Housing are not eligible for joint visits.
7. All visits are a maximum of 60 minutes.
8. All General Visiting Rules apply for visitors and inmates.
9. The number of weekly visits is determined by the Inmate’s current Restrictive Housing Status.
GENERAL VISITING RULES
1. Inmates are responsible to inform their visitors of all rules governing their visit.
2. Any abuse of visiting policy and procedures, by inmates or visitors, may result in a no-contact visit, suspension or permanent loss of visiting privileges.
3. Once a no-contact visit has begun, it will remain a no-contact visit.
4. Visitors are not allowed to physically or verbally abuse an inmate. This includes pushing, hitting, striking or loud verbal exchanges with the inmate. Such behavior will result in the visit being terminated. The visitor will be subject to having no-contact visits or their visiting privileges suspended or their visiting privileges terminated per the Security Director's discretion.
5. Visitors are not allowed to verbally abuse or disrespect staff in any way. This will result in the visit being terminated and the visitor being subject to having their visiting privileges suspended or terminated per the Security Director's discretion.
6. Seating will be assigned by visiting room staff. Inmates must check in at the Officer Station before the start of their visit. Inmates will then be seated in the purple chair facing the officer station. The official start time of a visit is when the inmate arrives and checks in with staff.
7. If a visitor has waited more than 15 minutes for an inmate to arrive at the Visiting Room, staff will make a call to the unit to inquire about the reason for the delay. Once it has been verified the inmate has been personally told of a visit, he has 20 minutes to arrive at the Visiting Room before disciplinary action is taken.
8. Inmates must wear a complete set of greens (a green shirt and pants) and their state-issued footwear. No personal footwear is allowed in the visiting room. All buttons on shirts are to be buttoned except the top button. Shirts must be tucked inside pants. Collars should not be tucked in, turned under or turned up.
9. Inmates are not allowed to handle any coins at any time. Only visitors are allowed to approach and operate the vending machines.
10. Inmates are not allowed to take anything out of the visiting area back to their unit. This includes any items purchased from vending machines.
11. No visitors will be allowed to leave or be added once a visit commences. If one person leaves, the visit is ended.
12. Inmates may not leave the visit and then return.
13. Inmates must sit facing the Officer Station with their chairs also facing their assigned table.
14. Inmates and visitors will always sit in an upright position and will not place their feet on the furniture.
15. Hands of inmates and visitors must be visible to staff at all times. Inmates and visitors are not allowed to place their hands inside or underneath their own or anyone else's clothing.
16. Laps of inmates or visitors are not to be covered at any time during the visit.
17. Inmates and visitors are permitted to hold hands; no other parts of body shall come in contact.
18. The inmates and their visitors may not put their arms around or on one another.
19. Excessive displays of affection are not permitted. Inmates and their visitors are permitted to embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of their visit.
20. Any embracing, kissing or indiscreet conduct during the visit will lead to individual disciplinary action which may include no-contact visits, suspension or removal of visiting privileges.
21. Conversation during visits will be held in a normal tone of voice to not disturb others.
22. Visitors are responsible for the care and behavior of their children. Children should not be loud, screaming and/or distracting other visitors, left unattended or allowed to leave their assigned table area.
23. No running, jumping or horseplay allowed in the Visiting Room.
24. No cross visiting. Inmates and visitors are allowed to visit with people at their table only.
25. Inmates are not allowed to physically or verbally abuse a visitor. This includes disciplining their own children (spanking, pushing, hitting, and/or loud verbal exchanges of any kind). This behavior will result in the visit being terminated and inmates will be subject to disciplinary action.
26. Breastfeeding During Visitation
a. A mother with child is permitted to breast-feed during visitation in the institution visiting room.
b. There is an area within the visiting room available if a mother desires to have privacy while breastfeeding and/or pumping or expressing milk into bottles. The mother cannot be required to utilize it.
27. Visitors will change children's diapers in the visitor's restroom only. Inmates are not allowed to take children to the restroom.
28. Inmates needing to use the restroom are only allowed to use the inmate restroom. All inmates will be strip searched before being allowed to use the restroom.
29. Inmates must clean their table area at the end of the visit.
30. Upon completion of the visit, inmates are to sit by the exit door to be searched and visitors must immediately exit the Visiting Room.
Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of RYOCF’s visiting room may result in the suspension or termination of visiting room privileges.
Phone contact rules at juvenile facilities vary significantly. Some permit daily calls; others limit contact considerably, particularly in early detention. Contact WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF) at 262-638-1999 to confirm current phone policies.
Contact WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF) at 262-638-1999 to confirm the current phone system and how to receive calls.
Commissary and mail rules at juvenile facilities vary more than at adult jails. Some have standard commissary systems; others provide all essentials as part of the program. Contact WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF) at 262-638-1999 to confirm:
-- Whether a commissary or trust account exists and how to fund it
-- What items your child is permitted to have
-- Mail rules including address format, what is permitted, and any restrictions
For money deposits where a standard system exists, visit InmateAid's send money page for deposit instructions for WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF).
For mail, address to 1501 Albert St PO Box 2500 with your child's full legal name and any facility ID number assigned at intake. Keep mail supportive and simple - plain white paper, no stickers, no glitter, standard print photos.
InmateAid's send mail service handles formatting so rejection is not a risk.
Wisconsin's juvenile justice system - how detention hearings work, what rights young people and their parents have, what programs are available, and what happens at release - is governed by Wisconsin law and varies from adult incarceration in important ways. InmateAid's Wisconsin resources hub covers Wisconsin-specific resources including legal aid organizations and juvenile justice information.
Frequently Asked Questions about WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF)
How do I confirm my child is at WI DOC - Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF)?
Call 262-638-1999 and identify yourself as the parent or legal guardian. Juvenile facility rosters are confidential and not publicly searchable - direct contact with the facility is the fastest and often only way to confirm placement.
Can my child be questioned without me present?
In most states a juvenile cannot be questioned without a parent or guardian present, or without a knowing and voluntary waiver of that right. If your child was questioned before you were notified, document that and contact a juvenile defense attorney immediately.
Will this result in a criminal record?
Juvenile records are typically confidential and may be sealed or expunged when your child turns 18, depending on Wisconsin law and the nature of the offense. However, serious offenses can result in adult court transfer, which creates a permanent adult record. Contact a juvenile defense attorney for guidance specific to your child's situation.
How long can my child be held before a court hearing?
In most states a detention hearing must be held within 24 to 72 hours of admission. The juvenile court judge determines at that hearing whether to release your child to parent custody or continue detention. Contact 262-638-1999 for the scheduled hearing date and time.
Can I bring things when I visit?
Contact 262-638-1999 to confirm what is permitted. Most juvenile facilities restrict what visitors can bring - typically only valid ID is required, and items for the young person must be approved in advance through proper channels rather than brought during a visit.
Juvenile detention is frightening for everyone involved - for the young person inside and for the family outside. The system is designed with different goals than adult incarceration, and most of the time the path through it is shorter and less permanent than families fear in those first hours. What matters most right now is getting connected - to the facility, to a good juvenile defense attorney, and to as much information as you can find.
InmateAid was built for these moments. Use us.