What to Expect During Your Loved One's First 8 Days at Ohio Reformatory (Why You Can't Visit Immediately)

At C.R.C., reception incarcerated persons are not permitted to receive visits during their first eight (8) days. That’s the policy in plain language: even if you’re ready to come right away, the facility won’t allow a visit during that initial eight-day window.

The first visit is treated as a “courtesy visit,” and it comes with a review process. Courtesy visit applications are reviewed by the visitation officer, who checks DOTS Portal screens, VSL, and VSNOT to try to confirm the courtesy visitor is not a victim of the incarcerated person’s current or prior convictions. If something looks questionable, the application may be sent up for resolution.

• ✓ Completed Visitor Application (DRC2096) (submit at your first visit attempt)
• ✓ Signed Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554) (submit at your first visit attempt)
• ✓ Signed General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274) (submit at your first visit attempt)
• ✓ A copy of your bona fide photo identification (submit with your paperwork at your first visit attempt)

If a minor will be visiting, there’s an extra approval step. A Minor Visitor Application (DRC2238) must be completed and signed by the child’s custodial parent or legal guardian, and it has to be submitted and approved before the minor’s first visit.

Once visits are allowed and you’re approved, reception visiting is still limited. During reception, the incarcerated person may have up to two (2) visiting sessions per calendar month from each approved person on their approved visiting list.

Visits also have a headcount limit. At C.R.C., a maximum of five (5) visitors may visit at one time - and that number includes walking children.

1. Get the adult paperwork ready for the first visit attempt - bring a completed Visitor Application (DRC2096) and a copy of your bona fide photo ID so you can submit everything when you show up.
2. If kids will visit, start the minor application early - have the Minor Visitor Application (DRC2238) completed and signed by the custodial parent or legal guardian, and make sure it’s submitted and approved before the child’s first visit.
3. Gather proof documents for the minor’s identity/guardian relationship - the minor application requires accompanying documents to prove the child’s identity and the legal parent or legal guardian.

If the immediate concern is getting money onto the account, there’s a narrow exception to help you start the process quickly. A reception incarcerated person may select one person (who is not a victim of the person’s current or past crimes) to immediately send a visit application for the purpose of placing money on the account - but the selected person still has to submit the application and be approved under the visitation policy before they can place funds.