Visiting MCI Norfolk with Children: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know
Bringing a child to visit MCI Norfolk is straightforward once you know the key rules. Here's what you need to know about pre-approval for minors, who can accompany them, and when you'll need a Minor Consent Form plus Superintendent approval.
Children under 18 don't need pre-approval to visit MCI Norfolk. The adult bringing them, however, must meet the Department's requirements for accompanying a minor. Double-check who's coming with the child before you make the trip.
Note: Minor consent forms do not need to be re-submitted if the incarcerated person is transferred to another Department institution.
A minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has physical custody. That adult also has to be on the incarcerated person's pre-approved visiting list. If the person bringing the child doesn't meet both requirements (custody and list approval), you'll need to complete the Minor Consent Form process described below. Don't show up hoping it will work out.
- ✓ Bring identification for the accompanying adult, since you may be asked to confirm who is bringing the child in.
When the adult bringing the child isn't the custodial parent or legal guardian, they must submit a completed Minor Consent Form and get the Superintendent's approval before visiting with the minor. This step trips up a lot of families, especially when a relative, family friend, or other caregiver wants to bring a child. Handle the form and approval first. Plan the visit once you have confirmation.
- Complete the Minor Consent Form: Make sure it is filled out fully and signed by the appropriate person.
- Submit the form the way the facility requires: Follow the current Department instructions for where and how to turn it in.
- Wait for Superintendent approval before the visit: Plan your trip after you have confirmation that the approval has been granted.
Sometimes the incarcerated person can sign the Minor Consent Form themselves. This is allowed when the inmate is listed as the child's parent on the birth certificate.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Confirm the child is under 18 (minors do not need pre-approval to visit).
- ✓ Make sure the accompanying adult is the child’s parent or legal guardian with physical custody.
- ✓ Confirm the accompanying adult is on the incarcerated person’s pre-approved visiting list.
If you need to use a Minor Consent Form (because the accompanying adult isn't the custodial parent or legal guardian), get the current submission instructions before you go. Requirements can be very specific about how approval is requested and processed. One thing that may ease your mind: once a minor consent form has been submitted, it doesn't need to be re-submitted if the incarcerated person transfers to another Department institution.
Tip: Before you travel, confirm the current form and submission instructions with the facility or check the Department's visiting application information.
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