How to Get on an Inmate's Visiting List at Chester County Prison (and Detention/Shelter visiting differences)
Visits get denied for simple reasons—usually because you're not on the approved list or you don't meet a specific program's rules. Here's how to make sure you're cleared to visit at Chester County, plus what to know about Detention vs. Shelter.
For Chester County's Detention program, who can visit depends on your relationship and whether Casework has approved you. Parents, legal guardians, and custodians are typically allowed. Siblings and other family members 18 or older need special authorization from the Casework Department before visiting a detention resident.
If you’re visiting a detention resident, bring proper identification every time. A photo ID is required at each visit, and you can be turned away if you don’t have it with you.
- Call to check your status on the Residents Visiting List - Call the Correctional Center at 610-344-4222; after the voicemail answers, press 0 and ask if you’re on the Residents Visiting List.
- Watch for the intake call (and still verify) - During initial intake, the resident is offered a phone call to notify family and friends of their assigned visit day. Even if you get that call, it’s smart to confirm your visiting-list status before you make the trip.
Not on the Residents Visiting List? Don't wait until you're at the door to figure it out. Call the Correctional Center at 610-344-4222 (after the voicemail answers, press 0) and ask what you need to do to get cleared.
Detention Vs Shelter Differences
- ✓ Detention: No one younger than 18 is permitted to visit detention residents - no exceptions.
- ✓ Detention: Visitors are not permitted to bring in food for detention residents.
- ✓ Shelter: Visitors are permitted to bring in food for shelter residents.
- ✓ Detention & Shelter: Vending machines are available, but all food and drink must be consumed during the visit.
Detention and Shelter visits can sometimes be scheduled around a resident's and family's work schedules - but those hours must be approved by the Casework Department first. Casework also handles special visit authorizations for detention residents, including when siblings or other family members 18+ want to visit.
Common Reasons Denied
- ✓ You’re not on the Residents Visiting List.
- ✓ You don’t have a photo ID with you for a detention visit.
- ✓ A visitor under 18 is trying to visit a detention resident (not allowed, no exceptions).
Note: When in doubt, verify before you go. Call 610-344-4222 and press 0 after the voicemail to ask about the Residents Visiting List. During initial intake, the resident gets a phone call to notify family and friends of their assigned visit day.
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