Why Your Visitation Request Could Be Denied or Revoked (and next steps)

Anything connected to contraband is one of the fastest ways to lose visitation privileges. GDC can refuse visitation to anyone suspected of being caught with, or attempting to introduce, contraband on facility property. Even suspicion alone can be enough. The facility treats contraband as an immediate safety and security risk, so staff won't hesitate to deny a visit.

Visitation can also be denied or revoked because of paperwork issues or conduct problems. If you're found to be deceptive on the significant other form, GDC can deny or revoke visitation. The same goes for repeated warnings about a particular behavior. If the behavior continues after those warnings, staff can decide you're no longer allowed to visit.

The Ombudsman can help you get information and answer questions, but there's a hard limit you should know up front. The Ombudsman does not have the authority to overturn a Warden's decision to deny or revoke visitation. If you want to change the decision itself, you'll need to work through the facility's chain of command and any available internal processes.

If the visitation denial or suspension is tied to a disciplinary report, the remedy runs through the inmate's discipline process. When an inmate is found guilty of a disciplinary infraction, they're given the opportunity to appeal through the Disciplinary Appeal process. If discipline is driving the visitation restriction, that appeal is often the path the inmate can use to challenge the underlying finding.

Practical Next Steps

• ✓ Start with the inmate’s counselor
• ✓ Then contact the chief counselor
• ✓ Next, the deputy warden of care and treatment
• ✓ Then the warden
• ✓ Then the regional director
• ✓ Contact Ombudsman staff after you have worked through the steps above
• ✓ Keep expectations realistic: the Ombudsman does not have authority to overturn a warden’s visitation decision

1. Ask what specific reason was used. When you speak with staff, ask which issue applies in your case, for example contraband suspicion, a problem with the significant other form, repeated warnings about an action, or a suspension for special security needs.
2. Have the inmate request and keep paperwork. If there is a disciplinary report involved, the inmate should keep track of the report and any notices tied to it, because those details matter for the next step.
3. Use the grievance process for medical concerns. If your concern is about medical treatment, encourage your loved one to use the inmate grievance process while you also work the contact chain.
4. If discipline is involved, pursue the Disciplinary Appeal. If the inmate was found guilty of an infraction, they have the opportunity to appeal through the Disciplinary Appeal process.
5. Escalate in order, then contact Ombudsman for information. Move up through counselor, chief counselor, deputy warden of care and treatment, warden, regional director, and then Ombudsman staff, remembering that the Ombudsman cannot overturn the warden’s visitation decision.