Before Your First Visit to SBWCC Unit 1: What You Need to Know

Make sure you're submitting your visiting application to the right place. Applications must go to the institution where the resident is housed. If your loved one is at South Boise Women's Correctional Center (SBWCC), visits take place in Unit 1.

You'll need to complete the visiting application process before your first visit. IDOC also requires all potential visitors to pass a background check. Both steps must be done ahead of time; you can't handle this at the door on the day of your visit.

1. Get the current visiting rules and application form from the Idaho Department of Correction visiting information and application materials.
2. Fill out the visiting application completely so it is ready for review and the background check.
3. Submit the application to the institution where the resident is housed (for SBWCC visits, that is tied to where your loved one is currently located, and visiting takes place in Unit 1 at SBWCC).

After you submit your application and the background check is complete, visiting room staff notify the resident. The resident is then responsible for letting you know the decision. If you're waiting to plan a trip, make sure you and your loved one have a clear way to share updates so you're not left guessing about approval.

The application and background check process typically takes two to four weeks. Once it's finished, visiting room staff notify the resident, who must then notify you of the decision. If you're trying to time travel or request time off work, build in that processing window before you expect to visit.

If your loved one is new to prison, wait until classification is complete before submitting a visiting application. Residents aren't allowed visitors during the reception and diagnostic process. Once classification is done, you'll know which institution should receive your application.

Even after you're approved, confirm the visiting day and time before you travel. SBWCC visiting schedules can change due to emergencies, and a quick check can save you a wasted trip. Call 208-334-2731 or email sbwcc@idoc.idaho.gov to verify the current schedule.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ Submit your visiting application to the institution where the resident is housed (visiting at SBWCC takes place in Unit 1).
• ✓ Complete the required background check as part of the visiting approval process.
• ✓ If the resident is new, wait until classification is complete before you submit the application.
• ✓ Plan for the process to take about two to four weeks.
• ✓ Watch for the decision through your loved one, since visiting room staff notify the resident when processing is complete and the resident must notify you.
• ✓ Confirm the visiting schedule before you travel (phone 208-334-2731, email sbwcc@idoc.idaho.gov).