How to Schedule Your First Visit at Graham Correctional Center
Your first visit goes smoother when you handle the steps in the right order. This checklist walks you through confirming the person's information, making sure you're approved, completing your paperwork, and booking a time online—without getting tripped up along the way.
Before you schedule anything, confirm your loved one is actually housed at Graham Correctional Center. The easiest way? Use the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) offender search tool. While you're there, jot down their IDOC number and double-check that the name and location match what you expect. Having the correct IDOC number from the start saves you from booking the wrong facility or redoing the sign-up process later.
To visit someone at an IDOC facility like Graham Correctional Center, you must be on their approved visitation list. Show up without approval, and you'll be turned away - no exceptions. Here's the thing: in IDOC, the incarcerated person is responsible for arranging visits and letting you know your status. Confirm you're approved before making travel plans or trying to grab a time slot.
Heads up: IDOC staff can't verify by phone whether you're on someone's visitation list. You'll need to write the incarcerated person directly and ask.
If you're 18 or older, you'll need to complete a Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148) before visiting. This applies to all adult visitors, with exceptions for attorneys and government officials. Show up without a completed PVI, and you might face delays - or not be able to visit at all that day.
Save yourself time by downloading the DOC 0148 PVI form from the IDOC website before your visit. They offer versions in both English and Spanish.
- Go to the IDOC online scheduling system (SignUpGenius) - IDOC uses SignUpGenius for in-person visit scheduling, so that’s where you’ll select a date and time.
- Start the sign-up and keep moving until you’re finished - the system will time out after 30 minutes with no activity. If you get interrupted and it times out, you’ll need to restart the sign-up.
- Have your key details in front of you before you click in - at a minimum, keep the incarcerated person’s correct name/location and IDOC number handy so you can complete the process within the time limit.
If you show up and you're not on the approved visitation list, you won't be allowed to visit. Period. Don't expect a quick phone call to fix things at the door, either. IDOC staff can't confirm list status over the phone. Your best move: write the incarcerated person beforehand to confirm you're approved. If you're not, ask what steps you need to take before trying again.
- ✓ Your completed Prospective Visitor’s Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148), if you have it
- ✓ Photo identification (ID)
- ✓ Something that verifies your date of birth (DOB), if needed for check-in
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