How to get approved to visit someone at Charles Egeler Reception/Guidance Center (step-by-step)
Getting approved to visit Charles Egeler Reception/Guidance Center starts with the prisoner adding you to their visitor list, then you submitting the right MDOC form. Here's the process, step by step, so you don't waste weeks on a preventable mistake.
Michigan DOC uses specific visitation forms, and knowing the names upfront saves confusion. The main paperwork includes CAJ-334 (Visitor List), CAJ-103 (MDOC Visiting Application), CAJ-356 (Outreach Volunteer Application), CAJ-1069 (Visiting Application for attorneys and certain professional visitors), CAJ-290 (Clothed Body Search of Visitor – Waiver), and CAJ-1037 (LEIN Request).
Everything starts with the prisoner's CAJ-334 Visitor List. This form is how the prisoner names who they want visits from - immediate family, outreach volunteers, and up to ten other people. The list can also include qualified clergy, an attorney on official business, and a representative acting on the attorney's behalf.
To get added as a visitor, submit a CAJ-103 MDOC Visiting Application. You're responsible for completing and signing it, then submitting through MDOC's approved electronic process or mailing it to the facility where the prisoner is housed. MDOC facilities won't mail you a copy, so print one yourself if you want it for your records.
Some professional visitors need extra paperwork: a CAJ-1037 LEIN Request. If you're employed by a state agency or acting on behalf of an attorney, submit the CAJ-1037 along with your visiting application.
You can submit your signed CAJ-103 two ways: electronically through MDOC's online process, or by U.S. mail to the facility. Either route takes up to four weeks to process, so don't expect a quick turnaround.
- ✓ Include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) if you mail your application.
- ✓ The facility uses your SASE to mail you a response once your application is processed.
- ✓ Keep in mind mailed applications can take up to four weeks to be processed.
Processing takes time. Whether you submit online or by mail, expect up to four weeks for MDOC to review your application. Submit as early as you can.
Even after approval, plans can change on the facility's end. Visits and appointments get canceled if the facility - or an individual housing unit - goes on outbreak or quarantine status.
Attorneys visiting on official business get faster processing. If you submit the CAJ-1069, MDOC processes it within two business days of receipt. Other professional visitors using the CAJ-1069 may take longer, so build in extra time if you're not an attorney.
Approval comes first. You can't schedule an in-person visit or video visit until your MDOC visiting application has been approved.
- Register or sign in to the ViaPath scheduler - this is the system Michigan DOC uses for scheduling visits.
- Schedule your visit appointment - once you’re approved, you can pick an available time and book it through the scheduler.
- Log in early for video visits - if you’re doing video visitation, plan to log into the ViaPath Visitor site 10 minutes before your scheduled time for verification.
Note: Schedule visits at least 48 hours ahead but no more than 7 days in advance. If you're approved for in-person visits, you don't need a separate application for video visits. Up to five people can participate - children under 2 don't count toward that limit.
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