Bringing a Child to Visit at MCI Norfolk: Documents You Must Bring
Bringing a child to visit someone at MCI Norfolk is straightforward—but the paperwork depends on who's bringing them. Here's what you need so you don't get turned away at check-in.
Minors under 18 don't need pre-approval to visit MCI Norfolk. What matters is who brings them: the child must arrive with a parent or legal guardian who has physical custody and is already on the inmate's approved visiting list.
Reminder: Every visitor needs a valid photo ID at check-in, including the adult bringing the child.
Child Documents
- ✓ An original or copy of the child’s birth certificate
- ✓ Or official hospital records that verify the child’s birth, the child’s date of birth, and parent information
Tip: If you have them, bring the original or a certified copy - staff may ask to verify the child’s information.
If the adult bringing the child is not the child’s parent or legal guardian with physical custody, you’ll need extra approval before you try to visit. In that situation, the adult must submit a completed Minor Consent Form and get the Superintendent’s written approval before visiting with the minor.
- Get the Minor Consent Form - make sure you’re using the correct form for Massachusetts prison visits.
- Have it completed and signed - the child’s parent or legal guardian with physical custody should complete/sign it.
- Submit it for approval ahead of time - the adult who plans to bring the child must obtain the Superintendent’s written approval before the visit.
If the incarcerated person is the child's parent - and listed on the birth certificate - they may be able to sign the Minor Consent Form themselves. This helps when the accompanying adult isn't the parent or legal guardian with physical custody. You'll still need the form and Superintendent approval before the visit.
Practical Tips
- ✓ A valid photo ID for the accompanying adult (state driver’s license, passport, military ID, or an official state/federal photo ID card)
- ✓ The child’s birth documentation (birth certificate or official hospital records)
- ✓ A backup copy of the child’s document, in case staff ask to review it
Before you head out, confirm the accompanying adult is on the inmate's approved list and that you have all the right documents. Need a Minor Consent Form and Superintendent approval? Get that handled well in advance - you won't be able to sort it out at the door. On visit day, keep the adult's photo ID and the child's birth documentation handy. Staff will check both at intake.
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