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Visitation

The 48-Hour Cancellation Rule: Why It Matters for an Allendale Inmate's Monthly Visit Count

When you schedule an in-person visit and can't make it, timing matters. Cancel too late—or not at all—and Allendale Correctional Facility will still count it against your loved one's limited monthly visits.

• 2 min read • doc.sc.gov
The 48-Hour Cancellation Rule: Why It Matters for an Allendale Inmate's Monthly Visit Count

South Carolina Department of Corrections requires 48 hours' notice to cancel a scheduled in-person visit. Miss that window? The visit counts toward the inmate's monthly total anyway - even though no one showed up.

Note: This 48-hour rule applies to scheduled in-person visits listed on the main SCDC family/visitation information. Virtual visits have different timing rules - don't mix them up.

General population inmates with visitation privileges get four in-person visits per month, with a pacing limit of one visit per weekend. A late cancellation or no-show hits hard. That visit still counts, leaving fewer opportunities for your loved one to see anyone else that month.

  • ✓ Up to four visitors can be included at a time
  • ✓ At least one visitor must be an adult
The 48-Hour Cancellation Rule: Why It Matters for an Allendale Inmate's Monthly Visit Count
  1. Reach out to the Visitation office right away - Email visitation@doc.sc.gov or call 803-896-1838 (press 1).
  2. Include the details they’ll need to find the appointment - Share the scheduled visit date/time, the visitor name(s), and the inmate’s name and ID number.
  3. Be clear about what you’re asking for - Say whether you’re trying to cancel a scheduled visit or you’re calling because you missed the cancellation window and need guidance on next steps.

Tip: Save proof of your cancellation attempts (screenshots, timestamps, and sent emails). If a visit is later counted against the monthly total, having a record helps you explain what happened.

Double-check which cancellation window applies to your booking. In-person visits require 48 hours' notice. Virtual visits are more flexible - you can cancel one day ahead and attempt modifications two days in advance. If you're juggling work, childcare, or a long drive, knowing these deadlines can mean the difference between losing a visit and protecting your loved one's monthly count.

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