How to Apply for Visiting Approval at Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution (step-by-step)

Want to visit someone at Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution? You'll need to go through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) visitor application process first. Here's what to fill out, what to include, how to submit it, and what happens once you're approved.

Every person who wants to visit must submit their own Visiting Application (DRC-2096). One application per adult visitor - no exceptions. You can't visit until your application has been processed and you've received approval. If you're planning your first visit, factor in time for that review. Showing up before you're approved means getting turned away.

Documents to Gather

• ✓ A completed Visiting Application (DRC-2096)
• ✓ A signed Declaration of Understanding (DRC-2554)
• ✓ A signed General Visiting Instructions form (DRC-2274)
• ✓ A legible copy of your photo ID (required for the adult visitor application)

You can submit your visitor application by U.S. Mail, email, fax, or in person - whatever works best for you. Just make sure everything is complete. Missing signatures or a blurry ID copy will slow things down. Even with a perfect submission, you still have to wait. No visits until the facility processes your application and sends approval. Hold off on making plans until you get that confirmation.

1. Wait for the facility to verify and process your application - Once your application is received, it goes through a verification step and will be approved or denied.
2. Watch for notification of the decision - The incarcerated person you applied to visit will be notified of the approval/denial and any follow-up needed.
3. Register with GTL VisitMe to reserve a visit - If you’re approved, you must register with GTL at www.gtlvisitme.com so you can make visit reservations.

Tips and Local Rules

• ✓ Write clearly and fill out the Visiting Application (DRC-2096) completely
• ✓ Sign the required forms (DRC-2554 and DRC-2274) so your packet isn’t delayed
• ✓ Include a legible copy of your photo ID with the adult visitor application

Before you go, double-check Allen Oakwood's current visiting details - hours, how visits are prioritized, that kind of thing. ODRC policy lets each institution's managing officer set local rules: how many visitors are allowed, visit frequency, duration, and hours. When the institution makes major changes to visiting guidelines, they're supposed to post them 30 days in advance. Check those postings or call ahead to confirm what's current. It can save you a wasted trip.