Visiting CNMCF with Young Children and Infants: Rules Families Need to Know

Anyone under 18 can't visit alone. Minors must have proper ID and be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult relative. The only exception? If the minor can show documented proof they're legally married to the inmate.

Having the right adult and ID isn't enough on its own. CNMCF follows NMCD's rule requiring every visitor - including children - to be on the inmate's current approved visitation list before they can enter.

CNMCF limits how many people can sit at the table at once. If space permits, inmates may have up to three visitors who are six years old or older during a single visit.

Young children count separately. Inmates may also have up to three children age five or younger at one time, space permitting. That "if space permits" language matters - crowding and room availability can change what staff allow on any given day.

Bringing an infant? Plan for the diaper change process. Parents or guardians must change the baby's diaper before the visit begins, and a correctional officer of the same sex as the parent must be present during the change.

Once you're in the visiting room, you're responsible for keeping your children with you and under control the entire time. The visitor limits - up to three visitors age 6+ and up to three children age 5 and under, space permitting - help make supervision manageable. Staff may not accommodate larger groups.

CNMCF enforces NMCD's Dress Code for Visitors (attachment CD-100201.B). When visiting with kids, plan outfits ahead of time. Getting turned away at the door after dressing everyone and driving to the facility is frustrating - and avoidable.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Make sure every visitor is on the inmate’s current approved visitation list before you go.
• ✓ Read and sign the Visitor Statement of Understanding (CD-100201.A) before any visit.
• ✓ If a minor is attending, be ready to show proper identification and have them accompanied by a responsible adult relative, parent, or legal guardian (unless the minor has documented proof of legal marriage to the inmate).

• ✓ Plan to change your infant’s diaper prior to the visit, and expect it to be done in the presence of a correctional officer of the same sex as the parent.
• ✓ Keep your visit outfit within NMCD’s Dress Code for Visitors (CD-100201.B) so you don’t lose the visit over clothing.

Before loading up the car, confirm that everyone coming is on the inmate's current approved visitation list. You'll also need to sign the Visitor Statement of Understanding (CD-100201.A). If you have questions about how these rules work - especially with young children - call CNMCF ahead of time rather than sorting it out at the entrance.