Bringing Kids to Visit at MCF Moose Lake: Birth Certificates, Escort Forms, and Valid ID

Anyone under 18 visiting MCF Moose Lake must be accompanied by an adult escort. The escort needs to be the child's parent, legal guardian, or an authorized escort approved by the facility. No exceptions - minors without a proper escort won't be allowed in.

MCF Moose Lake requires an official birth certificate issued by the state or county for each minor visitor. The keepsake paperwork hospitals send home - like an "Heirloom Birth Certificate" or "Crib Card" - won't be accepted for the visiting application.

Don't plan on bringing the birth certificate to the visit itself. A copy of each minor's state or county birth certificate must be submitted with your visiting application beforehand. Staff won't accept birth certificates at check-in.

1. Make a copy of the official birth certificate - use the state/county birth certificate for each child who will visit.
2. Send the copy with the visiting application - the birth certificate copy has to be included with the application, not brought later.
3. Don’t plan to “fix it at the gate” - if you show up with the birth certificate on visiting day, it won’t be accepted then.

Bringing a child when you're not their parent or legal guardian? You'll need additional paperwork. A notarized Minor Escort Form, signed by the child's custodial parent or guardian, must be submitted along with the minor's birth certificate or guardianship documents.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ Make sure every visitor under 18 is escorted by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized escort.
• ✓ Send a copy of each minor’s state/county birth certificate with the visiting application (not at the visit).
• ✓ Do not use a hospital “Heirloom Birth Certificate” or “Crib Card” as the birth certificate - those aren’t accepted.
• ✓ If the escort is not the parent/legal guardian, include a notarized Minor Escort Form signed by the custodial parent/guardian, along with the birth certificate or guardianship papers.