How to Visit Ross Correctional Institution (OH)

All visits require a reservation through the online visitor portal. You can book anywhere from 7 to 30 days before your visit. Need to cancel? Do it at least 24 hours ahead so it processes correctly.

Bring a current, government-issued photo ID. The facility accepts a Driver's License, State ID, or Military ID. Show up without proper ID and paperwork, and you won't get in. Bringing children age five or older? They must be approved visitors, and you'll need documentation: a birth certificate, custody paperwork, or a minor authorization entrance form (if required).

Your loved one has to add you to their approved visiting list first. That list can include up to 15 approved adult visitors, with no more than 2 designated as friends. Visits allow normal conversation and interaction. Barriers preventing physical contact aren't supposed to be used unless there's a substantiated security risk.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Reserve your visit in the online visitor portal within the allowed window (no less than 7 days ahead, no more than 30 days ahead)
• ✓ Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled visit if you cannot make it

• ✓ Bring a current government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Military ID)
• ✓ If you are bringing a child age 5 or older, confirm they are an approved visitor
• ✓ Bring the required child documentation (birth certificate, custody paperwork, or a minor authorization entrance form if required)

• ✓ Expect to be searched and screened by a metal detector
• ✓ Reduce items that commonly set off detectors (hairpins, underwire bras, certain boots/shoes, clothing with multiple zippers, excessive jewelry)
• ✓ Confirm you are on the incarcerated person’s approved visiting list (up to 15 approved adults, with no more than 2 friends)

1. Confirm how to reserve online: Use the official online visitor portal and make sure the reservation window is still 7 to 30 days before the visit.
2. Confirm the cancellation rule: Double-check that cancellations still must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled visit.
3. Ask about any schedule exceptions: If you are trying to visit around unusual dates or special circumstances, confirm whether any different reservation rules apply.

Before you leave home, double-check which IDs they accept and what "current" means for your situation. Bringing kids? Confirm exactly what paperwork staff will want for minors age five or older (birth certificate, custody paperwork, or a minor authorization entrance form if required). Make sure the child is already approved to visit.

Not sure if you can be added to the list? Confirm the current limits: up to 15 approved adult visitors, with no more than 2 friends. You can also ask how the facility handles contact restrictions, since barriers preventing physical contact aren't supposed to be used unless there's a substantiated security risk.