Visiting MCI Norfolk with Children: What Parents Need to Know

Before planning a visit to MCI Norfolk, confirm that any adult coming with the child is on the inmate's pre-approved visiting list (evidence: 792f03947c373ae4). This pre-approval requirement drives most of the "who can bring a child" rules - so check first, before promising a kid they're going.

Children under 18 don't need pre-approval to visit (evidence: a24999763daf50d6). The minor doesn't have to be added to the visiting list like adults do. However, you still need to follow the facility's rules about which adult can bring them in.

Minors can't visit alone. The child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with physical custody - and that adult must be on the inmate's pre-approved visiting list (evidence: 2204aa13ae619475; 792f03947c373ae4). So even though the child doesn't need pre-approval, the adult bringing them does.

• ✓ Be on the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list (evidence: 792f03947c373ae4)
• ✓ Be the child’s parent or legal guardian with physical custody (evidence: 2204aa13ae619475)
• ✓ Bring whatever you may need to show you’re the custodial parent/guardian if staff ask (ties to the “physical custody” requirement in evidence: 2204aa13ae619475)

What if the adult bringing the child isn't the minor's parent or legal guardian with physical custody? You can't just show up. That adult must submit a completed Minor Consent Form and get the Superintendent's approval before the visit (evidence: b11685387913a0c9). This applies in common situations - grandparents, aunts and uncles, older siblings, or family friends trying to bring a child along.

1. Get the Minor Consent Form completed - it needs to be filled out by the minor’s parent or legal guardian who has physical custody (evidence: b11685387913a0c9).
2. Submit the form as required - the adult who is not the custodial parent/guardian must submit the completed Minor Consent Form (evidence: b11685387913a0c9).
3. Wait for approval before visiting - you’ll need the Superintendent’s approval in place before you try to visit with the child (evidence: b11685387913a0c9).

One paperwork detail worth knowing: an inmate can sign the Minor Consent Form if they're listed as the parent on the child's birth certificate (evidence: b11685387913a0c9). And while minors don't need pre-approval to visit (evidence: a24999763daf50d6), the consent form and Superintendent approval are still required when the accompanying adult isn't the custodial parent or guardian.