Bringing Kids to Visit: How Minor Visitor Rules Work in VADOC Facilities
Taking children to visit someone in a VADOC facility is usually straightforward once you handle the paperwork and adult accompaniment rules ahead of time. Here's how minor visitor approval works, what you'll need to bring, and a few practical details that can save you a wasted trip.
Children can't be approved to visit on their own in VADOC. A minor's application must be attached to an adult visitor application. Bringing more than one child? You can add multiple minors under the same adult application, so everyone is covered under one approved visitor record.
Keep an eye on your own visitor approval timeline. A minor's visit depends on the adult's status being current. All visitor applications expire three years after the approval date. If you live in Virginia, submit a new application at least 45 days before it expires. Out of state? Submit at least 90 days ahead to avoid any gap in visitation privileges.
Every time a minor visits, they need to be with the right adult. VADOC requires minors to be accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or another adult who is already an approved visitor.
If the minor is an immediate family member of the person they're visiting, VADOC approves them only for contact visits. Keep that in mind when setting expectations for what the visit will look like.
- ✓ Bring the completed notarized statement (or a copy of the court order) every time you bring the immediate-family minor to visit.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Pack the notarized statement (or a copy of the court order) for every visit the minor attends.
- ✓ Arrive one hour before the scheduled visit so you have time for security screening.
- ✓ Bring at least one valid picture ID that matches the information on your visitation application.
- ✓ Use an acceptable ID type, such as a driver’s license, a passport (only for those who do not reside in the United States), a military ID, or another official picture ID issued by a federal or state agency.
- ✓ Do not bring food or drinks inside.
- ✓ Plan as if there will be no snack options, there is no access to vending machines.
Reminder: Build in an extra hour before the visit for screening. If your photo ID doesn't match the information on your application, you can be denied entry.
Find an Inmate at Haynesville Corr. Center, VA
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
