How to Request a Special or Extended Visit at RYOCF (Steps & Limits)

At RYOCF, extended visits are tied to travel distance. The person in our custody (PIOC) can request one when a visitor is traveling 250 miles or more one way. These requests go through the PIOC's Social Worker. They're designed for situations where a long trip makes fitting a standard visit into the usual schedule difficult.

Special visits must be requested by the PIOC - not by family or friends. The PIOC submits the request to their Social Worker at least five (5) days before the visit date you're trying to arrange.

The timing works the same for both visit types: the PIOC needs to submit the request to their Social Worker at least five (5) days before the proposed visit. If you're planning travel, build in extra buffer beyond those five days. The clock starts when the PIOC submits - this isn't something family or friends can file on their own.

• ✓ Ask the PIOC to obtain the DOC-21AA Visitor Questionnaire and mail it to each prospective visitor.
• ✓ Make sure each prospective visitor (including minor children) completes the DOC-21AA Visitor Questionnaire and submits it, since it’s required for visitor approval.

RYOCF caps these non-standard visits each year. A PIOC can request up to two (2) special visits per calendar year for the same visitor. Extended visits have the same limit: no more than two (2) for the same person per calendar year. If you're coordinating travel, plan around these caps so you don't use them up earlier than intended.

Here's something that catches people off guard: extended visits count toward the PIOC's weekly visit allowance. Schedule one, and it may affect what other visits the PIOC can have that same week.

Once approved, the institution handles scheduling. You can't book approved special or extended visits through ICSolutions yourself.

1. Start with the PIOC’s Social Worker - The PIOC has to submit the request, and it needs to be in no less than five (5) days before the proposed visit.
2. Handle the DOC-21AA early - A completed DOC-21AA Visitor Questionnaire must be submitted for all prospective visitors, including minor children.
3. Have the PIOC mail the DOC-21AA out to you - It’s the PIOC’s responsibility to obtain and mail the DOC-21AA to prospective visitors, so build mailing time into your plan.
4. Don’t assume you have to already be on the visiting list for an extended visit - Extended visits may be requested for qualifying visitors whether or not they’re already on the PIOC’s approved visiting list.