Visiting Someone at WCC: What to Expect During a Non-Contact Visit

At the Western Massachusetts Regional Women's Correctional Center (WCC), all in-person visits are non-contact. No physical contact is allowed at any point during a personal visit, not even briefly. You and your loved one will remain separated the entire time, so go in ready to make the most of the conversation.

A standard visit at WCC lasts one hour, and up to three visitors can attend during that hour. Children under 17 count toward that limit, so two adults and one child already fills the slots. Visits are allowed twice per week, but you can't split them into two separate visits on the same day. Space them out across different days instead.

1. Talk with your loved one about what you need. Special requests can cover either additional visitors beyond the usual three, or a longer two-hour visit.
2. Have the inmate submit the request at least one week ahead. The request must be submitted by the inmate one week prior to the visit, so do not wait until the last minute.
3. Plan your week around the decision. If a two-hour visit is requested and approved, it is treated as the longer visit for that week.

Seating and Behavior

• ✓ Stay in your assigned seat or booth for the entire visit.
• ✓ If you need to change seats, ask, and understand it is up to the Visiting Officer.
• ✓ Do not associate with anyone other than the person you are visiting.

WCC assigns specific visiting time blocks by housing unit, so when you can visit depends on where your loved one is housed. For example, Sunday includes 3 to 4 p.m. and 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. blocks for unit 2B. There are evening slots too. On Sunday, you might see 7 to 8 p.m. for 2A and 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. for 1B. Because the schedule works this way, always confirm the current unit schedule before making the trip. The key is matching the right day and time block to the correct unit so you show up during the right window.

If you're 18 or older, you'll need to complete two forms before entering WCC's secure perimeter: the initial registration Visiting Form (available online or in person) and the Request to Visit Form. First-time visitors should build in extra time for this step. Don't let paperwork be the reason you miss your visit.