Visiting South Mississippi Correctional Institution with Children: Identification Rules by Age

Planning to visit South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI) with kids? Two rules to know upfront: only five people total can visit at one time (babies and children count toward that number), and anyone under 18 must come with a parent or legal guardian.

Any visitor under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. That includes teens - if they’re not yet 18, they can’t come in on their own.

The accompanying adult needs valid picture identification - a driver's license, state ID, or passport works. One thing people miss: visitors who are 16 or 17 still need their own picture ID showing their date of birth, and they must be on the offender's approved list for each visit.

Children age 15 and under need a legible birth certificate. Staff will check that they can clearly read the child's name and date of birth - if it's faded or hard to read, bring a replacement copy.

No birth certificate? If the child has a photo ID instead, it must show their date of birth. If the date of birth isn't on the ID, expect problems at check-in.

Visitors 16 and older need a picture ID that displays their date of birth. Adults 18+ should bring valid photo identification like a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Teens who are 16 or 17 also need to be on the offender's approved list for each visit.

Infant Allowances

• ✓ One (1) diaper bag
• ✓ Up to four (4) diapers
• ✓ Two (2) bottles
• ✓ One (1) change of baby clothes
• ✓ One (1) pacifier
• ✓ Diaper wipes in a zip-lock bag
• ✓ Any necessary medication for the infant

SMCI allows necessary infant medication in the diaper bag. If you're an adult who must carry prescribed medication at all times - heart medication, for example - you'll need written approval before bringing it into the visiting area. Submit a request to the Area Warden ahead of time, along with a doctor's statement confirming the medication and that you need it on your person.

Remember: SMCI caps each visit at five people total, and that headcount includes babies and children. If your group is larger, decide ahead of time who goes in - you don't want to sort it out at the door.

1. Count your group before you leave - Keep it to five people max, including babies and kids.
2. Bring the right documents for every child - Age 15 and under: a legible birth certificate (or a photo ID that shows date of birth if you don’t have the certificate). Age 16+: a picture ID showing date of birth, and they must be on the offender’s approved list each visit.
3. Keep IDs handy for check-in - You may be searched and/or asked to walk through a body scanner while on facility grounds.
4. Pack infant items within the allowed limits - One diaper bag with the permitted items (diapers, bottles, change of clothes, pacifier, wipes in a zip-lock bag, and necessary infant medication).
5. Handle required prescribed medication ahead of time - If you must carry medication at all times, get written approval by submitting a request to the Area Warden and a doctor’s statement before your visit.