Why Your Loved One Can't Have Visitors Yet: Understanding PWCC's Reception & Diagnostic Process

PWCC serves as Idaho's reception and diagnostic center for women. Most women entering IDOC custody start here while the system completes early intake steps. With an operating capacity of 331 female residents across all custody levels, the facility handles everything from the initial "getting settled" phase to longer-term placement.

Visitors aren't allowed during reception and diagnostic. This is standard Idaho DOC policy - visitation simply isn't available while someone is in reception, even if you're ready to travel and would normally qualify for approval.

Even after reception ends, you can't just show up. Every potential visitor must submit a visiting application and pass a background check first. That approval process typically takes two to four weeks, so the wait can feel long even when everything is moving along normally.

Here's what trips up many families: visiting room staff notify the resident - not you - when the application and background check are complete. Your loved one gets the approved/denied decision first, then they're responsible for passing that news along to you.

4

• ✓ Complete the online Visiting Application for fastest processing.
• ✓ Be ready for the required background check as part of the visiting application process.