How to Apply for Prison Visitation

When a loved one is incarcerated, contact is limited to structured, monitored visits. To take advantage of the time to visit, find out all you can about the requirements and restrictions of visitation as well frequency of allotted visits.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make sure that the inmate has put your name on the "approved visitors list." Allow six months for the prisoner to add a name that is not that of an immediate family member.

2. Be aware that the warden may deny any name requested for the "approved visitors list" based on security or safety reasons. Make sure that new names are approved to the list before proceeding with plans for the visit.

3. Get familiar with the rules of conduct for prison visits before arranging the visit. Review the rules regarding attire and jewelry, physical contact and gifts.

4. Ask for a copy of the rules or view the rules online, if applicable. Understand that a failure to abide by the rules can terminate the visit.

5. Apply to the warden to request permission to visit a prisoner who is hospitalized. Understand that all rules of prison visitation apply even when the prisoner is off prison grounds.

6. Request permission to visit from the deputy director in cases when the visitor has been placed on restriction for violating the "rules of conduct" for prison visits. Make the request in writing with details to support the request.

7. File a request for review with the legislative corrections ombudsman when requests to visit are denied. Make the request through the ombudsman's representative at the prison.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that a failure to abide the rules can terminate the visit before you even meet with the prisoner.