FRDC visiting hours, who can visit, and visitor limits (Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center)
Visiting at Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center (FRDC) runs on a tight schedule, and a few rules catch families off guard—especially when someone is still in reception status. Here's what you need to know about visiting hours, who can apply, and how many people can visit at once.
FRDC holds visits Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with two sessions each day: 9:30am–1:30pm and 2:30pm–6:30pm. Watch that mid-day gap. If you show up between sessions, you'll be waiting until the next one starts.
You can't just show up and get added at the door. Every visitor must be pre-approved through a visiting application, and the department runs a criminal history check before granting approval. Fill out the application carefully and honestly - missing details or inconsistencies can delay the process or get you denied.
Missouri DOC allows a wide range of people to apply. That includes immediate family (spouse, legal guardian, parents, in-laws, siblings, children, grandparents, and descendants like grandchildren and great-grandchildren), extended family (uncles, aunts, cousins), significant others, friends, and clergy.
One detail that matters if you have more than one loved one in custody: visitors may only visit one offender. The exception? Immediate family members can visit more than one.
The general rule is three visitors per offender at one time. But families with small kids get a break: up to three additional children age 5 and under are allowed, bringing the total possible group size to six.
Note: There's conflicting guidance on the child age cutoff. One facility posting says the extra children can be age 10 and under, while statewide visiting guidance says age 5 and under. Verify FRDC's current rule before you travel - you don't want to get turned away at check-in.
If your loved one is on reception and orientation status, visits are more limited than at permanent institutions. While they're waiting to be assigned to a permanent facility or treatment center, they can receive only one visit per month. Plan carefully - if multiple family members want to come, coordinate so you don't accidentally use up the month's visit.
Don't show up too early. Visitors can arrive in the parking lot no earlier than 30 minutes before visiting starts, and admission is first-come, first-served. Want to be in the first group admitted? Aim for that 30-minute window rather than hours ahead.
Reminder: No person or pet may remain in a vehicle on institutional grounds while you’re visiting.
Before you make the drive, confirm two things: that you're approved to visit (this requires the visiting application and a criminal history check), and that you understand FRDC's current visitor-limit rules. Statewide guidance says three visitors per offender, plus up to three additional children age 5 and under - but at least one facility posting uses an age-10 cutoff. Check the offender's current location using the Offender Web Search, then contact the facility to confirm which child-age rule they're enforcing.
Find an Inmate at Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
