Before Your First Visit to Howard R. Young: ID, Searches, Dress Code, What You Can Bring, and How to Request a 2-Hour Visit

Every visitor needs a picture ID to enter. A driver's license works, or any other photo ID. Kids under 16 just need any picture ID. Have yours ready when you arrive - it speeds up check-in.

You'll go through a metal detector every time. If staff decide a physical search is necessary, you'll need to comply - refusing means you're denied entry and asked to leave. The easiest way to avoid problems? Arrive with as little as possible and follow staff directions right away.

Permitted Items and Funds

• ✓ Bring only your car keys and your identification into the facility.
• ✓ If you need to add money to an inmate’s account, you can bring money to deposit funds using the kiosk in the lobby.
• ✓ If you want to share approved vending items during the visit, you can use your money to purchase a debit card that’s authorized for the vending machines.

Don’t plan to hand anything to the person you’re visiting. Property can’t be exchanged between an inmate and visitors, and cards, letters, and similar items have to be sent through the mail instead.

Dress conservatively. Staff decide what's appropriate, and they will turn people away. Bathing suits, bodysuits, strapless tops, low-cut or revealing tops, sleeveless shirts, tube tops, and anything that doesn't meet normal standards of decency are all off-limits.

Watch the details that trip people up. Dresses, skirts, culottes, and walking shorts must be no shorter than two inches above the knee (measured from the bend in the back of the knee with the waistband in its normal position). Spandex pants, shorts, and leggings can't be worn alone - leggings only work under a skirt. For footwear: no open-toe or open-heeled shoes, no Crocs. Hoodies aren't allowed either.

Face-to-face visits run up to one hour. Most inmates can also have one video visit per week on top of their in-person visit. Video visits come in 15- or 30-minute increments.

Visits must be scheduled ahead of time. Call (302) 577-5837 Monday through Wednesday to book a visit for the following week.

1. Confirm you meet the distance rule - you must be traveling 100 miles or more to request the extended visit.
2. Make sure you’re within the limit - the two-hour visit can be requested once per month.
3. Send a written request - submit your request in writing by sending a letter to the Warden’s Office.

At this level 5 facility, you may be subject to a background check before being admitted. Think through any potential issues before you travel.

If the background check turns up past felonies, misdemeanors, active warrants, or current probation, you may be barred from visiting. The waiting periods: 10 years from release for incarcerations, 5 years from release for probation. If any of these apply to you, plan ahead - don't make the trip only to get denied at the door.