Cheshire Correctional's 30-Minute Visit Policy: How to Make the Most of Your Time

In-person social visits at Connecticut DOC facilities are currently limited to 30 minutes, until further notice. The shorter window gives staff time to disinfect visiting areas between sessions and keeps the schedule on track.

Plan your day around check-in, not just the visit. You're required to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time - and that clock doesn't pause for lines or delays. Treat 15 minutes as your bare minimum. Build in extra buffer, and you're far less likely to lose time with your loved one.

• ✓ Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes early so you’re not cutting it close if parking or check-in takes longer than expected
• ✓ Treat “15 minutes prior” as the absolute minimum for check-in, not your target
• ✓ Have your photo ID and any required paperwork ready before you get to the check-in point
• ✓ If you’re running behind, assume the visit could be shortened or canceled and plan your next step accordingly

1. Set a simple goal for the visit - Pick one main purpose (reassurance, a family update, a decision you need to make) so you don’t spend the first 10 minutes figuring out what to talk about.
2. Lead with the most important topic - Don’t “warm up” too long. Start with the news or question that matters most, then fill in smaller updates.
3. Bring a short written list of updates - Keep it to 5–8 bullets (appointments, kids’ milestones, bills, housing, court dates). It helps you stay on track when emotions run high.
4. Use time markers - At about the halfway point, do a quick check: “What do we still need to cover before time’s up?” It prevents last-minute panic.
5. Keep logistics to a minimum - If you can, handle ride coordination, childcare plans, and “what happens after” before you enter, so your visit isn’t eaten up by problem-solving.
6. End with a clear next step - Before you’re cut off, confirm one concrete follow-up (who’s calling whom, what you’ll send, what you’ll ask next time). A clean ending makes the short time feel less abrupt.

If your visit gets cut short or canceled, take a breath. Focus on what you can control. Note when you arrived and what happened at check-in. When you reschedule, give yourself a bigger time cushion so you're not racing the clock again.

For comments or questions, you can contact the Connecticut Department of Correction Public Information Office at 24 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109, phone 860-692-7780.