Bringing Children to Visit at WCC: ID Requirements and Rules for Minors
Bringing a child to visit at WCC takes a little prep, mainly around who can escort them and what paperwork you'll need at check-in. Here are the rules that most often trip families up at the door.
At the Western Massachusetts Regional Women's Correctional Center (WCC), anyone age 17 or under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or an authorized adult. Minors cannot visit on their own.
Expect an ID-style check-in for the child, too. The accompanying adult needs to bring the minor's original birth certificate.
If you're bringing a minor and you're not the child's parent, WCC requires extra paperwork. You'll need a notarized Parental Consent document that includes an expiration date and the incarcerated person's name. Without it, staff can turn you away at the lobby.
Check your headcount before making the trip. WCC allows up to three visitors for a one-hour visit, twice a week. Children under 17 count toward that three-person limit.
If the standard limit doesn't work for your family, there is a process for exceptions. The inmate must submit any special request for additional visitors or a two-hour visit one week before the visit.
Parking lot rules matter, especially when you're juggling kids. Visitors' vehicles must be locked while in the WCC parking lot, and vehicles are subject to search on state property.
Warning: Do not leave children (or pets) unattended in your vehicle. If that happens, the visit will be stopped, you'll be asked to leave, and it will still count as one of the inmate's visits for the week.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Bring the minor’s original birth certificate for check-in.
- ✓ If you are not the child’s parent, bring a notarized Parental Consent document with an expiration date and the inmate’s name.
- ✓ Count everyone in your group (including children under 17) toward the three-visitor limit.
Note: All in-person visits at WCC are non-contact. No physical contact is allowed at any time during the visit.
Adults 18 and over need an approved picture ID at the public lobby. WCC accepts the following: a current/valid or temporary driver's license; a state-issued non-driver picture ID from the Registry of Motor Vehicles showing your date of birth; a state-issued welfare card; a valid passport; a current/valid military ID; a current/valid school photo ID paired with a birth certificate; or a pistol permit.
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