Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

How to Schedule Your First Visit at Graham Correctional Center (step-by-step)

Your first visit takes a little prep, but it's straightforward once you know the steps. Here's how to confirm the right facility, get on the approved visitor list, complete the required PVI form, and book your SignUpGenius appointment before it times out.

• 3 min read Verified from official sources

Before you do anything else, confirm the person's current location using the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) offender search tool. A quick search verifies they're actually housed at Graham Correctional Center, so you don't end up trying to book a visit at the wrong facility.

You need to be on the incarcerated person's approved visitation list before you can visit. The easiest way to check? Write them a letter and ask. They're the only one who can confirm whether you're listed and let you know when you're approved.

Heads up: IDOC staff cannot tell you over the phone whether you’re on someone’s visitation list.

If you're 18 or older, you need to complete the Prospective Visitor's Interview (PVI) form (also called DOC 0148) before your visit. Legal visitors and government officials are the only exceptions. Getting this done ahead of time keeps your first visit from turning into a paperwork session at the door.

Download the DOC 0148 PVI from the IDOC website in English or Spanish. Print it, fill it out carefully, and keep it with your visit paperwork so you're ready to go.

Warning: Fill out the PVI honestly and completely. Providing false information can cost you visiting privileges.

Once you've confirmed the facility and know you're on the approved list, schedule your in-person visit through the IDOC online SignUpGenius system. Head to the IDOC SignUpGenius page for visitation, then follow the prompts to pick an available time slot and enter your visit details.

Time limit: The SignUpGenius system times out after 30 minutes of inactivity. Have your information ready before you start so you can finish without losing your session.

  • ✓ Your vehicle information (you’ll be asked to provide it for an in-person visit)
  • ✓ Two forms of ID for each adult visitor, with one being a current state-issued photo ID
  • ✓ If you’re bringing a minor: visitors under 18 do not have to show photo ID at an IDOC facility

If you show up and you're not on the approved visitor list, you'll likely be turned away. Calling the facility won't help either. IDOC staff cannot confirm visitation-list status by phone. Your best move is to write the incarcerated person, ask to be added, and wait for their confirmation before trying to schedule again.

Quick Checklist

  • ✓ Confirm the incarcerated person is at Graham Correctional Center using the IDOC offender search tool
  • ✓ Complete the Prospective Visitor’s Interview (PVI) form (DOC 0148) if you are an adult visitor (18+)
  • ✓ Download DOC 0148 from the IDOC website (English or Spanish)
  • ✓ Have two forms of ID ready for each adult visitor, including a current state-issued photo ID
  • ✓ Have your vehicle information ready
  • ✓ Set aside time to complete the SignUpGenius scheduling in one sitting (the system times out after 30 minutes of inactivity)

Find an Inmate at Graham Correctional Center, IL

Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.

Exact spelling helps find results faster

Free to search · Used by families nationwide
Woman using phone to connect with loved one

More from Graham Correctional Center, IL

Graham Correctional Center at a Glance: Address, Phone, Warden, and Key Facts

Need to confirm where someone is housed or find the right contact info? Here's a quick reference with the essential details for Graham Correctional Center.

How Graham's Mail Scanning & Publication Rules Work: What Your Loved One Will Actually See

If you send letters or photos to someone at Graham Correctional Center, what they actually receive is usually a digital copy. Here's how IDOC mail scanning works, what gets excluded, and what changes on September 30, 2025 for books and magazines.

How Graham's Mail Scanning System Works: What Your Loved One Will Actually See

Graham Correctional Center scans all non-privileged incoming mail in color. This includes the front and back of the envelope plus everything inside - letters, greeting cards, and photographs. Once scanned, the PDF images get uploaded to your loved one's Bulletin Board, where they can view everything on their tablet. The bottom line: they receive a digital copy of what you sent, not the original paper.