Bringing Children to Visit at Algoa: Age Rules, ID, and What Parents Should Know

Algoa Correctional Center limits each visit to three visitors per offender. On top of those three, the Missouri Department of Corrections allows up to three additional young children age 5 and under. Here's the catch: another DOC listing uses a different age cutoff for this allowance. Because the rules don't match across official pages, call ahead to confirm before you travel. You don't want to show up with kids who can't be counted. Visiting limits can also tighten due to safety concerns, staffing, weather, or space constraints. If you're planning a larger group, have a backup plan - maybe splitting visits across different days or rotating which adults attend.

Before planning a trip with children, make sure every person visiting is already approved through the Missouri DOC visiting application process. The offender gets notified of your status and is responsible for letting you know. Don't attempt a visit until you have final approval. When you're bringing kids, this matters even more. Pre-approval helps you avoid last-minute surprises at the door about who can and can't get in.

Adults must present a valid photo ID at check-in - a current driver's license or Department of Revenue ID card works. For teens ages 13–18, the DOC allows a current school photo ID with their name, or a valid federal or state government-issued ID. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an authorized adult visitor unless they're married to the offender. This rule trips up families more than almost anything else at check-in.

3

• ✓ One clear carry-all
• ✓ Up to 6 diapers
• ✓ 1 blanket
• ✓ Up to 3 clear plastic bottles of prepared infant beverage
• ✓ Up to 3 unopened vendor containers of baby food
• ✓ 1 plastic pacifier (plus teether and/or rattle)
• ✓ 1 small plastic spoon
• ✓ 1 unopened package of baby wipes

Algoa's visiting hours run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in two blocks: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., then 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. If you're bringing children, use those time blocks as your planning guide. Pick the session that matches your child's nap and meal schedule - visits go smoother when you're not fighting their rhythm. Build in buffer time on both ends. Kids need bathroom breaks, snacks, and a reset after a long car ride. Arriving flustered makes check-in harder for everyone.

1. Get everyone approved before you go - Complete the Missouri DOC visiting application process and wait for final approval; don’t attempt a visit until you’re cleared.
2. Pack infant supplies to the rule - If you’re bringing a baby, use a clear carry-all and keep diapers to the allowed quantity (up to 6) so you aren’t stuck sorting items at the entrance.
3. Plan the day around the two visiting sessions - Choose either the morning/early afternoon block or the late afternoon/evening block and keep your schedule simple so kids aren’t overtired before you even arrive.