Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

How to schedule and prepare for your first visit at Big Muddy River Correctional Center

Your first visit goes smoother when you handle the paperwork and scheduling upfront. Here's how to confirm who you're visiting, make sure you're approved, book a time online, and show up with everything Big Muddy River Correctional Center requires at check-in.

• 2 min read • idoc.illinois.gov
How to schedule and prepare for your first visit at Big Muddy River Correctional Center

Before scheduling anything, find the person in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) inmate search tool. This confirms you have the right individual and shows where they're currently housed - you'll need the correct facility when you book. Write down the IDOC number from the search results. Having the facility name and IDOC number handy saves time later and prevents you from accidentally scheduling at the wrong location.

You have to be on the incarcerated person's approved visitation list to visit at Big Muddy River. This trips up a lot of first-time visitors - IDOC staff can't verify over the phone whether you're approved. Your best move: write your loved one and ask them to confirm you're on their list. If you're not, they can tell you what they need from you. Once you know you're approved, schedule with confidence instead of risking a wasted trip.

How to schedule and prepare for your first visit at Big Muddy River Correctional Center

Most adults need to complete a Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148) before their first in-person visit. IDOC requires this for all visitors 18 and older, except legal visitors and government officials. Want to get ahead of delays? Download the DOC 0148 from the IDOC website - it's available in English and Spanish. If you've already received prior approval through the electronic PVI process, you may not need to complete the form in person on your first visit.

Schedule your visit online through IDOC's SignUpGenius system. Make sure you select the option specifically for Big Muddy River Correctional Center - picking the wrong facility means you won't have a valid reservation.

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