Before Your First Visit to SICI: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
A first visit to SICI goes much smoother when you handle the paperwork early and travel light. This guide will help you avoid the common mistakes that can end a visit before it starts.
Before you make the trip, complete the visiting application process. You'll find the forms on the Visiting Application page. Your completed application has to be submitted to the institution where the resident is housed, so for SICI residents, send it directly to SICI. Show up without an approved application and you'll likely be turned away before you even get started.
Confirm the visiting schedule before you travel. Contact SICI visiting staff to verify the resident's housing location and the schedule tied to that housing area, or use the resident/client search tool. Build in some flexibility. SICI visiting schedules can shift due to emergency situations.
Sort out your money situation before you walk in. Paper money is not allowed in SICI visiting rooms. If you want to use the vending machines, bring coins in a clear plastic bag or bring a debit or credit card (if applicable) for vending purchases.
Quick tip: Bring coins in a clear plastic bag if you plan to use vending machines. Otherwise, a debit or credit card works for vending purchases.
Leave outside food in the car. SICI does not allow any outside food in visiting rooms, including gum and candy. The only exceptions are those specifically listed in the Visiting Rules, so check those before you pack snacks or treats.
Don't bring pictures into the visiting room. SICI doesn't allow pictures of any kind, and that includes images stored on small electronic picture viewers (even keychain-sized devices). If you're unsure whether something counts as a "picture," leave it behind.
Expect security screening. Staff can search any visitor or any item entering the visiting area to enforce Idaho Code 18-2510, so keep your pockets and belongings simple. If something isn't allowed, leave it at home or lock it in your vehicle before heading inside.
- ✓ Paper cash (no paper money is allowed in visiting rooms)
- ✓ Outside food of any kind, including gum and candy (unless it’s specifically listed as an exception in the Visiting Rules)
- ✓ Pictures of any kind, including images on keychain-sized electronic picture viewers
- ✓ Any item you would not want searched or questioned at entry
- ✓ Loose change in pockets (use coins in a clear plastic bag instead, or bring a debit/credit card for vending)
- ✓ Extra belongings, keep it minimal and lock anything you do not need in your vehicle before entering
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