Understanding Central Prison’s 18-person visitor list: who can visit and how to get approved
Central Prison uses an approved visitor list system. Understanding the 18-person limit and how applications work helps you avoid wasted trips—and ensures the right people get on the list first.
Each offender at Central Prison can have up to 18 approved visitors total. That number includes both adults and minors - it's not 18 adults plus kids. It's 18 names, period. Everyone must be approved before they can visit.
Tip: Because the 18-person cap is strict and includes minors, it helps to decide early who really needs to be on the list so you don’t run out of spots later.
The process starts with blank visitor application forms. Each offender receives a maximum of 18 blank applications to hand out, so families need to be selective about who gets one.
Getting a blank form is just step one. No visit can happen until facility staff approve the completed application. Don't book travel based on "I filled it out" or "I mailed it back." Approval is what counts.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Put immediate family first, since those visits tend to be the most consistent over time.
- ✓ Prioritize the people who will visit regularly (not just once), especially if the offender relies on those visits for support.
- ✓ Consider travel distance and cost - if someone has to plan far ahead to make the trip, it’s better to reserve a spot for them early.
- Have the offender request blank applications - they can receive up to 18 blank visitor application forms to distribute.
- Complete one application per person - each adult and each minor needs their own completed application.
- Return the completed application to the facility - the paperwork has to be back at the prison where the offender is currently housed.
- Confirm approval before you travel - a visit can’t occur until facility staff approves the completed application, so check your approval status before making the drive.
Reminder: Being “on the list” means being approved - and every name uses one of the 18 spots. Don’t assume you’re cleared to visit until the facility confirms approval.
Need to add or remove someone later? Contact Central Prison's visitation staff and ask what's required to update the approved visitor list. Since visits can't happen without staff approval, also ask how to confirm any change has been processed before anyone makes travel plans.
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