How to Apply for Visiting Approval at Southeastern Correctional: Complete Walkthrough

Before you can visit someone at Southeastern Correctional, you need to be approved through the Ohio DRC visitor application process. No approval, no visit. Visiting rules aren't uniform across Ohio prisons, either. While the DRC provides standard forms - the General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274) and Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554) - each managing officer controls visiting hours, how many visitors are allowed, visit frequency and duration, and which visits take priority. That's why some details are handled at the institution level.

Documents

• ✓ A completed Visiting Application (DRC2096)
• ✓ A signed Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554)
• ✓ A signed General Visiting Instructions form (DRC2274)
• ✓ A legible copy of your photo ID to submit with your application (staff review the copy)
• ✓ Bona fide identification to present as part of the approval process

The DRC2096 form is the heart of your application. Fill it out completely and honestly - this is what determines whether you get approved. People often miss the "yes/no" questions that require explanations. The form asks about active protection orders between you and the incarcerated person, and whether you've ever worked for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (as an employee, contractor, volunteer, intern, or unpaid staff). If you answer yes to anything, explain it fully. Don't be vague. Unsure about a detail? Stop and verify before submitting. Incomplete applications don't just slow things down - unanswered questions or false information can get you denied outright.

1. Complete the full packet - Fill out DRC2096 and make sure you’ve also signed DRC2554 and DRC2274.
2. Add your ID copy - Include a legible copy of your photo ID with the application packet.
3. Choose a submission method - You can send the application by U.S. Mail, email, fax, or drop it off in person.
4. Wait for processing before trying to visit - Visitation won’t be granted until the application has been processed and you’ve been approved and notified.

Once Southeastern receives your application, staff review and verify the information. You'll either be approved or denied, and the incarcerated person will be notified of the decision. Accuracy matters here. Leave a question blank or provide false information, and your application gets disapproved. If something in your background needs context, explain it on the form - don't hope it goes unnoticed.

Getting approved is just the first step. Your actual visiting experience depends on local rules. Each institution operates differently based on its setup and programming. The managing officer decides visiting hours, how many visitors can come, visit frequency and length, and which visits get priority.

Approval gets you through the first gate - but you still need to book your visit. Register with GTL VisitMe to make a reservation. Skip this step, and you'll be approved on paper with no visit scheduled.

If your application seems stuck, double-check your submission first. Did you include everything required? Is your photo ID copy legible? Did you answer every question? One blank field or a false statement means automatic disapproval. If you learn your application was denied, review the form for common problems: missing answers, unexplained "yes" responses, or details that don't match your ID. Fix the issues and resubmit by mail, email, fax, or in-person drop-off. Keep in mind that even after approval, scheduling varies - the managing officer controls visiting hours and logistics at each institution.

• ✓ Confirm the incarcerated person has room on their visiting list: up to 15 approved adult visitors total
• ✓ If you’re being added as a “friend,” remember the list can include no more than 2 designated friends