Bringing Children to Visit Ohio Reformatory: How to Complete Minor Visitor Applications

Before a child can visit at Ohio Reformatory, paperwork comes first. The key form is the Minor Visitor Application (DRC-2238) - it must be completed, signed by the child's custodial parent or legal guardian, submitted, and approved before the child's first visit. While you're preparing, know that Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction materials like the ODRC General Visiting Instructions (DRC-2274) and the Declaration of Understanding (DRC-2554) are available to staff, incarcerated people, and visitors. Ask to review them if you need clarity on the overall process.

• ✓ Complete the Minor Visitor Application (DRC-2238)
• ✓ Have the child’s custodial parent or legal guardian sign it
• ✓ Submit the application for processing
• ✓ Wait for approval before attempting the child’s first visit

One situation requires an additional form. If the child is applying to visit someone incarcerated for a sex offense, you must also include the Acknowledgement of Minor Child Visitation with a Sex Offender (DRC-2296). Without it, the application isn't complete.

If someone other than the custodial parent or legal guardian will bring the child to the visit, plan ahead. You'll need a notarized Authorization for Minor Child Visitation (DRC-4371). This form must name which approved guardian(s) may bring the child and give permission for the child to be photographed and searched during check-in.

1. Fill out DRC-4371 - list the approved guardian(s) who are allowed to bring the child when the custodial parent/legal guardian won’t be present.
2. Include the required permissions - the form must include permission for the child to be photographed and searched.
3. Get it notarized - it must be notarized to be accepted.
4. Bring it when the custodial parent isn’t accompanying the child - have the notarized DRC-4371 ready for those visits.

DRC-2238 isn't just a signature form - identity and legal relationship must be verified before approval. When completing the Minor Visitor Application, include documents that prove the child's identity and establish who the legal parent or guardian is. Missing documents can slow things down.

• ✓ Birth certificate (used to verify the child’s identity and parent/guardian relationship)
• ✓ Change of custody documents, if applicable (used to support legal guardianship/custody)

Once the required materials are in place and the minor's application is verified, the child's approved status is documented for staff reference. Before you make the trip, confirm the child has been approved - you don't want to arrive only to be turned away at check-in.