Before Your First Visit to District 23 / Missouri DOC — what to bring, what to leave in the car
Your first visit goes smoother when you confirm the basics ahead of time and keep what you bring inside to a minimum. Use the checklist below to avoid common delays at the door.
Before you drive out, confirm the offender's current location and status, then double-check the visit schedule. Missouri DOC schedules vary by facility. It's also worth checking whether video visits are available where they're housed - you might save yourself an unnecessary trip.
District 23 (Kennett Community Supervision Center) is at 1401 Laura Drive, Kennett, MO 63857. Double-check that's the address in your GPS before you leave.
Don’t skip this: You must be pre-approved through the Missouri DOC visiting application. Don’t attempt a visit until you’ve received final approval.
Expect to show ID and go through screening. Missouri DOC facilities use body scanners that log your name, ID number, and photo on your first visit. That ID number becomes your scanning ID going forward - so bring the same ID you plan to use every time, and make sure it's in good condition and easy to grab at check-in.
- ✓ Arrive in the parking lot no earlier than 30 minutes before visiting starts; entry is first-come, first-served.
- ✓ Don’t plan to leave anyone - or any pet - waiting in your vehicle on institutional grounds during the visit.
Bringing an infant? Pack only what's allowed and stick to the exact limits: one clear carry-all; 6 diapers; 1 blanket; up to 3 clear plastic bottles of prepared infant beverage; 1 clear plastic no-spill toddler cup; 3 unopened vendor containers of baby food; 1 plastic pacifier; teether and/or rattle; 1 small plastic spoon; and 1 unopened package of baby wipes. Keep everything in that single clear bag - it speeds up screening and saves you from repacking at the door.
Dress code gets enforced strictly here. Don't wear skirts, dresses, or shorts shorter than the top of your kneecap when standing. This is one of the most common reasons visitors get turned away.
Plan your group size ahead of time. Standard limits cap visits at three visitors per offender. If you're coordinating rides, decide beforehand who's going in and who's staying home - no one wants a surprise at check-in.
If you’re bringing kids: Some Missouri DOC guidance says a visit may include up to 3 additional young children, but the published age cutoff conflicts (one source says age 5 and under). Verify the current child-age limit with District 23 before you bring extra children.
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