Bringing a Child to Visit: Minor Visitor Applications and Rules at VADOC
If you want to bring a child to visit someone in Virginia Department of Corrections custody, the child needs to be approved first. Once you understand how the minor application works and what paperwork to bring, the process is pretty straightforward.
Minors aren't "automatic" visitors at VADOC. Just like adults, every child has to be approved and registered before staff will let them through. To add a child, you'll attach the minor's application to an adult visitor application. The forms (Adult Visitor Application 851_F1 or Minor Visitor Application 851_F6) are submitted online through the DOC public website. The Central Visitation Unit reviews all applications and grants approval before any visit can take place.
Children cannot visit on their own. Every minor must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or another adult who is already an approved visitor. If you're planning to bring someone else's child, confirm that you're an approved visitor and that you meet the accompaniment requirement before making the trip.
VADOC has a special rule for minors who are immediate family: those children will only be approved for contact visits. If you're unsure whether your child falls into that category, prepare as if the rule applies so you don't get turned away at check-in.
- ✓ Bring a completed notarized statement each time you bring the immediate-family minor to visit
- ✓ Or bring a copy of the court order each time you bring the immediate-family minor to visit
Practical Tips Children
- ✓ Arrive one hour before your scheduled in-person visit so there is time for security screening
- ✓ Confirm the child’s Minor Visitor Application (851_F6) has been submitted online and approved before you attempt to visit
- ✓ If you are the accompanying adult, make sure your Adult Visitor Application (851_F1) is submitted online and approved as well
- ✓ Keep any required minor paperwork together so you can hand it over quickly at check-in
Video visit limit: Video visits allow a maximum of five people total, including children. At least one visitor must be over 18 and must be the parent or legal guardian of any minors on the call. Minors still need to be accompanied by the required adult.
With kids, the biggest stressors tend to be timing and expectations. Build in extra time. Keep your documents somewhere you can grab them quickly, and talk to your child beforehand about following staff directions and staying close to you. If possible, have a backup childcare plan in case the visit falls through after you arrive.
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