Bringing Children to Visit at Mansfield CI: Documents to Bring Every Time

Bringing a child to visit at Mansfield Correctional Institution takes a little prep, and the requirements don't change from visit to visit. Every time you walk in, the adults in your group must register and show valid identification at entry. You'll also need the right paperwork for the child.

Before a child can visit for the first time, a Minor Visitor Application (DRC2238) has to be completed. The child's custodial parent or legal guardian must sign it. Plan ahead on this one. The application needs to be submitted and approved before the child's first visit. You can't handle it at the door the day you show up.

Even after the child is approved to visit, Mansfield CI requires proof of who the child's custodial parent or legal guardian is every single time. Staff will check for documentation that names the custodial parent or legal guardian. The facility accepts a birth certificate or a custodial court order. If custody has changed, bring the custody paperwork. That's what ties everything together at check-in.

• ✓ Birth certificate (showing the child’s custodial parent or legal guardian)
• ✓ Custodial court order (if a court order establishes or changes custody)

Once the child's information and paperwork are verified, the child is recorded as an approved minor in the facility's visitation system. That doesn't replace the day-to-day entrance requirements. You still need to show the required child documentation at every visit. On top of the child-specific paperwork, the adults bringing the child must register each time and present valid identification at entry. If either piece is missing, you can lose the visit.

• ✓ Proof the Minor Visitor Application (DRC2238) has been submitted and approved (bring your copy of what you submitted/received)
• ✓ Birth certificate or custodial court order naming the child’s custodial parent or legal guardian
• ✓ Bona fide identification for the adult(s) entering
• ✓ Extra time to complete registration and document verification at the entrance

1. Arrive with time to spare - You will need time for registration and document checks.
2. Register at entry - Adults must register every visit.
3. Present the adult ID and child documentation - Show bona fide identification plus the birth certificate or custody order.
4. Wait for staff verification - Staff review and record the information as part of entry.
5. Proceed into the visiting area - Once cleared, you can move forward with the visit.