What Are 'Shared Visits' at LCIW and Who Qualifies?

At the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW), a "shared visit" is a regular visit that also includes an additional incarcerated person. It's not the default setup for everyday visitation. Because it involves adding another incarcerated person to your visit, LCIW only approves shared visits when certain criteria are met.

Not everyone at LCIW qualifies for a shared visit. The incarcerated person must be under achievement status and/or minimum custody. If your loved one doesn't fall into one of those classifications, a shared visit isn't an option.

LCIW also ties shared-visit eligibility to recent visit history. The incarcerated person must not have received a visit in the past year. In practice, shared visits are aimed at people who have gone a long time without seeing visitors, not those who've had recent in-person contact.

Behavior matters, too. The incarcerated person must not have received a disciplinary report within the six months before the shared-visit request. A recent disciplinary report disqualifies them.

1. Pick a date far enough out - The written request has to be submitted at least four weeks before the date you want.
2. Submit the request in writing - LCIW requires a written request for a shared visit (verbal requests are not the standard for this).
3. Build in extra cushion when you can - “At least four weeks” is the minimum, so earlier is safer if you are trying to coordinate travel or time off.

Visiting approval can take time. LCIW processes completed visiting applications and runs criminal record checks before any visitation is approved. While an application is pending, no visits are allowed, so don't plan a shared visit (or any visit) around an application that hasn't cleared yet. One more thing: LCIW requires visiting applications to be mailed back to the facility. Faxed applications are not accepted.

Even when someone qualifies, shared visits are limited. Eligible incarcerated women at LCIW may have a shared visit only once per calendar quarter. If you're trying to schedule more than one close together, this quarterly limit is usually the reason it can't happen.

Practical Planning

• ✓ Make sure the shared-visit request is submitted in writing at least four weeks before the date you want.
• ✓ If a visiting application is involved, mail it back to LCIW. Do not fax it (faxes are not accepted).
• ✓ Expect LCIW to process the application and run criminal record checks before approval.
• ✓ Do not plan to visit while an application is pending. There is no visitation until it is approved.