Can You Visit During Intake at Richland Parish Detention Center? The 30‑Day Rule Explained
When someone you care about is just taken into custody, the waiting is brutal — especially when you don't know when you can see them. Here's what
Under Louisiana DOC rules, “intake status” is a defined 30‑day period that begins right after someone is placed into DOC custody. This is the window when intake processing happens, and it’s treated differently from normal housing when it comes to visits.
Beyond intake (and a few other specific exceptions), people housed in departmental facilities can generally apply for visitation. That's why you might hear
During intake, visitation isn't allowed at departmental facilities. If your loved one is still in that 30-day window, expect to be turned away - even if you've done everything right on your end.
Normally, anyone can apply to visit someone at a departmental facility - but only after the offender requests it. Intake status is the main roadblock. Even if your loved one wants you on their visiting list right away, you'll have to wait.
Sometimes intake drags on. If it goes past 30 days, your loved one has an option: they can request a special visit with immediate family members. This request goes through the Reception Center's visiting procedures - not the regular visitation process you might expect.
Note: The offender must request this special visit, and it's handled through the Reception Center's procedures. Follow that process carefully - it's the approved path when intake stretches beyond 30 days.
Practical Steps Families
- ✓ Ask your loved one whether they’re still in intake status and how long they’ve been there.
- ✓ If intake is going past 30 days, ask them to request a special visit with immediate family under the Reception Center’s visiting procedures.
- ✓ Remember that visitation applications are tied to the offender’s request, so make sure they know exactly who you want included.
- ✓ Be ready to follow whatever scheduling and check-in instructions the Reception Center provides for special visits.
Since special visits are limited to immediate family, you may need to prove the relationship. Gather any documents that show your family connection and be ready to meet the Reception Center's requirements.
Once a special-visit request is submitted, everything goes through the Reception Center. Follow the instructions you're given - the offender makes the request, and the visit runs under reception rules for extended intake.
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