Who's Eligible for In-Person Visits at River City? Understanding the Phase Requirement
River City uses a phase system that determines whether someone can have an in-person visit. The tricky part? The facility has published two different phase requirements, so verify before you travel.
On River City's visitation information page, the facility states that in-person visitation will occur for residents in the Reentry phase. If you're planning a trip based on that guidance, the takeaway is straightforward: phase matters, and Reentry is the phase tied to in-person visits according to that source.
A separate facility source under policies and procedures says something different: visitation is currently available to residents in the Transition phase. That's a different eligibility requirement than the Reentry-only statement, and it changes who you might be able to see and when you should plan your visit.
Conflict to be aware of: River City has published two different phase requirements for visitation: one names Reentry phase, the other names Transition phase. Because these statements conflict, confirm the resident's current phase and eligibility with the facility before you travel.
Travel without confirming eligibility and you risk getting turned away at check-in. That can mean wasted time off work, childcare headaches, and a long drive home with no visit. All because the resident's phase (or the facility's current practice) didn't match what you expected.
At River City, a resident's phase is the gatekeeper for in-person visitation. The challenge: the facility states in one place that in-person visits occur for residents in the Reentry phase, and in another that visitation is currently available to residents in the Transition phase. Don't assume eligibility based on a guess. Get the phase confirmed first, then plan your trip.
- ✓ Plan around the limit of one in-person visit per week, lasting 45 minutes.
- ✓ Bring an official driver’s license or state ID.
- ✓ If you’re bringing kids, the visit may include one adult and up to three minor biological children.
- ✓ Follow the facility’s visitor dress code.
- Ask your loved one to confirm with their Case Manager - River City requires the resident’s Case Manager to approve the people listed on the Visitation Form, so the Case Manager is a practical checkpoint for whether you’re approved to visit and whether the resident is eligible to receive in-person visits.
- Call River City during office hours to double-check eligibility before you drive - Use (513) 946-6800 and ask what phase is currently eligible for in-person visits, since the facility has published different phase requirements.
- Have the basics ready and write down what you’re told - Confirm the resident’s name, your name, and the visit plan. Office hours are Mon–Fri 8:00AM–4:00PM.
- Use the correct facility location for your planning - River City Correctional Center is at 3220 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45225.
Can't get a clear answer ahead of time? Confirm again on the day of your visit before committing to the full trip. A quick check can save you from arriving only to find out the resident's phase isn't eligible for in-person visitation that day.
If Different Answers
- ✓ Write down the date and time you called or spoke to someone.
- ✓ Ask for the staff member’s name and job title, and note it.
- ✓ Repeat back what you understood (which phase is eligible, and whether the resident is eligible) and record the answer.
- ✓ If possible, ask for the guidance in writing, or ask who can officially confirm it.
- ✓ If it’s still unclear, confirm again on the day of the planned visit before traveling.
Tip: Calling during office hours (Mon–Fri 8:00AM–4:00PM) gives you the best shot at reaching someone who can clarify visitation eligibility. River City's phone number is (513) 946-6800.
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