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Visiting Allendale with Children: ID Requirements by Age

• 2 min read • doc.sc.gov
Visiting Allendale with Children: ID Requirements by Age

Bringing kids to visit someone at Allendale Correctional Facility is allowed, but you'll need the right documents or you could be turned away at check-in. Here's what you need to know about ID requirements by age, which minors can be added to an inmate's approved visiting list, and what paperwork matters most - especially if you're not the parent.

Children age 10 and older need a government-issued photo ID, same as adult visitors. This applies to both in-person and virtual visits - don't assume you can skip ID just because you're not walking through the front lobby.

For children nine and younger, the rule is different: bring a certified long-form birth certificate instead of a photo ID.

Not every minor can be added to an inmate's visiting list. Only certain family members qualify: the inmate's siblings, children (including adopted children), stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and step-grandchildren.

Those family relationships must be verified with certified long-form birth certificates. When submitting paperwork to get a minor approved, attach a copy of the certificate to the application.

If you're bringing a child and you're not the parent, staff still need to verify how the child is related to the incarcerated person. That's why the certified long-form birth certificate matters - it serves as both ID for younger kids and proof of relationship when adding a child to the visiting list.

Note: SCDC materials also reference an adult supervision/authorization form (Form 19-118). If you're not the parent or legal guardian, check the current visitation policy or FAQ to find out what authorization paperwork you'll need to bring or have on file.

Visiting Allendale with Children: ID Requirements by Age

Checklist

  • ✓ For any child age 10+ visiting (in person or virtual): a government-issued photo ID
  • ✓ For any child age 9 and under: a certified long-form birth certificate (used as the child’s identification)
  • ✓ For getting a minor added to the inmate’s approved visiting list: a copy of the certified long-form birth certificate attached to the application to verify the relationship
  • ✓ If you’re not the parent/legal guardian bringing the child: the certified long-form birth certificate paperwork needed to prove the relationship (and any guardianship/court paperwork you have, if applicable)

Tip: Bring the original certified long-form birth certificate with you, plus a copy for any applications that require attachments. Not sure what's needed at the door versus what must be submitted ahead of time? Check the current visitation policy or FAQ before your visit.

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