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

Pocatello Women's Correctional Center (PWCC) runs the reception and diagnostic center for women entering the Idaho prison system. This is where new arrivals get processed before moving into their longer-term housing. If your loved one is brand-new to PWCC (or newly entering prison custody), they'll go through this reception and diagnostic phase first, even if PWCC is where they'll ultimately serve their time.

PWCC doesn't allow visitors while residents are in the reception and diagnostic process. Even if you're ready to visit and the facility normally allows it, your loved one isn't eligible for in-person visits during this intake period. This can feel frustrating, like you're being kept in the dark. But in most cases, it's simply a status issue. Once they move out of reception and diagnostic, regular visiting eligibility opens up again.

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• ✓ Submit a visiting application (this is required before you can visit at PWCC).
• ✓ Complete the required background check (also required before visiting).
• ✓ Plan for the approval timeline: the application and background-check process normally takes two to four weeks.

If you have questions while you wait, you can contact PWCC directly. The Warden is Janell Clement. Email pwcc@idoc.idaho.gov or call 208-236-6360.

Once your visiting application and background check are complete, the visiting room staff will notify the resident. This normally takes two to four weeks. Since the notification goes to your loved one, the easiest way to know you're cleared is to ask them to tell you. If you're unsure where things stand, you can follow up with PWCC directly (just remember that visiting still requires your application and background check to be finished first).