How Many People Can Visit at Once? Visitor Limits at MDOC and the Youthful Offender Unit
Visitor limits can trip you up because MDOC has one rule, but the Youthful Offender Unit has a stricter cap. Here's how the numbers break down so you can plan ahead.
MDOC's general rule is straightforward: no more than five people can visit at one time. That count includes babies and children. Bringing a larger group? You'll need to rotate visitors or split up across different days - otherwise you risk getting turned away at check-in.
SMCI address: 22689 MS Hwy 63 North, Leakesville, MS 39451.
Visiting someone in a Youthful Offender Unit? The limit is tighter - four people per visitation period, not five. The policy also allows staff to restrict visits further for security reasons. A group that fits under MDOC's general rule might still be too large for a Youthful Offender visit.
- ✓ Parents and/or legal guardians (with proper photo identification)
- ✓ Grandparents (with proper photo identification)
- ✓ Siblings of all ages (siblings over 14 must provide proper photo identification)
- ✓ Spouses (with proper photo identification)
- ✓ The youth’s attorney (with proper photo identification)
- ✓ Clergy from the youth’s home community (with proper photo identification)
- ✓ Children of the youth, if they’re accompanied by an approved visitor
Bring ID for everyone - not just the adults. Anyone 16 or older needs a photo ID showing their date of birth. For kids 15 and under, bring a legible birth certificate. If a child doesn't have a birth certificate but does have a photo ID, that ID still needs to show their date of birth.
If you’re bringing an infant: You may bring one diaper bag with up to four diapers, two bottles, one change of baby clothes, one pacifier, wipes in a zip-lock bag, and any necessary medication for the infant.
Both rules are real - that's why this trips people up. MDOC's general limit is five at one time; Youthful Offender Unit visits cap at four per visitation period. Before you load up the car, especially with kids or a long drive ahead, confirm which rule applies. Make sure your group size matches the unit's limit.
- Call SMCI before you go - ask how many visitors are allowed for the person you’re visiting and whether the Youthful Offender Unit four-person rule applies.
- Confirm what each visitor must bring - double-check ID requirements for teens and the birth-certificate rule for kids 15 and under, plus what’s allowed if you’re bringing an infant.
- Verify your visit details - confirm the visitation period you’re planning to attend and make sure everyone in your group is an approved visitor (especially if you’re close to the four- or five-person limit).
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