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Visitation

Before Your First Visit to Raymond Laborde: ID & Approval Checklist

First visits can feel overwhelming, but the basics are straightforward: get approved, bring the right ID, and know the rules for minors if you're bringing kids. Run through this checklist before you leave home — it'll save you from getting turned away at the door.

• 4 min read • doc.louisiana.gov
Before Your First Visit to Raymond Laborde: ID & Approval Checklist

Quick Checklist

  • ✓ Confirm you’re on the imprisoned person’s approved visiting list before you make the trip.
  • ✓ If you’ve been told you’re not approved, ask what the status is - denials based on a security risk require written justification, and some situations (like certain supervision/criminal-history scenarios) may need higher-level sign-off.
  • ✓ If you’re 18 or older, bring an accepted picture ID and be ready to show it every time you visit.
  • ✓ If you’re under 18, you’re not required to have picture ID to visit.
  • ✓ Any visitor under 18 must be with a parent or legal guardian the entire time while on RLCC grounds.
  • ✓ The parent/legal guardian is responsible for the child’s behavior - if kids become disruptive, the visit can be ended.
  • ✓ Count heads before you go: RLCC allows up to four visitors at one time, and that total includes children.
Before Your First Visit to Raymond Laborde: ID & Approval Checklist

Before planning your first visit to Raymond Laborde Correctional Center (RLCC), confirm you're actually approved. Visitation runs off the imprisoned person's approved visiting list - if your name isn't on it, you'll be turned away even with perfect ID and a long drive behind you. Here's something worth knowing: a prior conviction doesn't automatically disqualify you. If facility leadership decides someone poses a security risk based on the nature of their crime, that decision requires written justification from the warden or designee. For ex-offenders, or anyone on probation or parole, an approval letter from your supervising officer (Form OP-C-9-e) creates a presumption you should be eligible. That said, certain recent felony histories can still trigger higher-level review or allow a discretionary denial with additional sign-off.

The simplest way to confirm you're cleared? Check with the imprisoned person and make sure your name is on their approved list before you go. If you're applying or updating information, be truthful and consistent - incorrect details create delays and can lead to denial.

RLCC requires picture ID from all visitors 18 and older. You'll need to show it every time. No picture ID, no visit. Minors under 18 don't need to present picture identification.

  • ✓ Valid state driver’s license
  • ✓ Valid state photo ID card
  • ✓ Valid military photo ID (active duty only)
  • ✓ Valid passport

Not necessarily. Under Louisiana DOC visitation policy, a prior criminal conviction alone doesn't automatically disqualify you. However, someone can be found ineligible if the nature of their crime reasonably suggests their presence could threaten facility security or stability. When that happens, the warden (or designee) must put the determination in writing.

If you're an ex-offender or currently on probation or parole, an approval letter from your supervising officer (Form OP-C-9-e) creates a presumption you should be eligible. This helps your application move forward, though it doesn't guarantee approval. Certain recent felony histories can still require higher-level review or allow a discretionary denial with additional sign-off. If this applies to you, confirm your status well before attempting your first visit.

Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian at all times while on facility grounds. If you're bringing a child, the parent or legal guardian needs to stay with them from arrival through departure.

Parents and legal guardians are responsible for their child's behavior during the visit. Disruptive children can result in a terminated visit, so keep expectations simple and have a plan for breaks and quiet activities.

Keep the headcount limit in mind: RLCC allows up to four visitors at one time, and children count toward that total. If you're bringing kids, you may need to rotate visitors to stay under the limit.

Most first-visit problems come down to approval status. If you aren't on the approved visiting list yet, your visit gets delayed until the facility finishes its screening or review. Approval can also be denied when facility leadership determines someone's presence would create a security risk. For ex-offenders, parolees, or probationers, an approval letter from your supervising officer creates a presumption of eligibility - but certain recent felony histories may still require higher-level approval or allow a discretionary denial with additional sign-off.

Note: If you're unsure whether you're approved, confirm with the imprisoned person before you travel. When someone is denied eligibility due to a security risk, facility leadership must provide written justification.

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