Bringing Children to Visit Southern Ohio C.F.: Application Requirements and Rules

Before a minor can visit, Southern Ohio C.F. requires a Minor Visitor Application (DRC2238). The child's custodial parent or legal guardian must complete and sign it. You'll also need documents proving the child's identity and showing who the legal parent or guardian is. Plan to gather the DRC2238 and identity documents together as a set. The facility needs to verify the minor and confirm who has legal authority to approve the visit before that first trip.

Adults have their own requirements, especially during reception at the first visit. You'll need to submit a complete Visitor Application (DRC2096). Along with that application, adults must turn in a signed Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554), signed General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274), and a copy of valid photo identification. If you're bringing a child, think of this as two separate tracks: the minor's approval (DRC2238 plus ID documents) and the accompanying adult's first-visit paperwork (applications, signatures, and ID copy).

If someone other than the custodial parent or legal guardian is bringing the child, you'll need extra authorization for that day. Southern Ohio C.F. requires a notarized Authorization for Minor Child Visitation (DRC4371) in these situations. The DRC4371 must list the name or names of the approved guardian(s) who may bring the child. You'll need to provide this form for each visit. Don't assume last time's paperwork automatically covers the next trip.

The DRC4371 isn't just a permission slip to bring the child. It must also include permission for the child to be photographed and searched as part of the visit. If that language is missing or incomplete, it can cause problems at check-in. Make sure the notarized form clearly covers both the approved escort and the facility's photographing and search requirements for the minor.

If the incarcerated person is serving time for a sex offense, there's an additional requirement for a child's visit application. You must complete the Acknowledgement of Minor Child Visitation with a Sex Offender (DRC2296), and the form must list the specific sex crimes the person is incarcerated for. The DRC2296 has to be signed and notarized by the parent or legal guardian, then returned to acknowledge the request for the child to visit.

When the DRC2296 is required, unit staff will mail or email the form to the parent or legal guardian. Watch for it and plan time for notarization, since you'll need to return the signed and notarized form as part of the approval process.

Identity Verification First Visit

• ✓ Completed Minor Visitor Application (DRC2238), signed by the custodial parent or legal guardian
• ✓ Documents that prove the child’s identity
• ✓ Documents that prove the child’s legal parent or legal guardian
• ✓ For the accompanying adult’s first visit: a copy of the adult’s bona fide photo identification (submitted with the adult paperwork)

Practical Tips Parents Guardians

• ✓ Start the Minor Visitor Application (DRC2238) early, and make sure it is signed by the custodial parent or legal guardian
• ✓ Gather the child’s identity documents and paperwork that shows who the legal parent or legal guardian is, and keep them together for check-in
• ✓ If the custodial parent or legal guardian is not bringing the child: get the Authorization for Minor Child Visitation (DRC4371) notarized, confirm it names the approved guardian(s), and be ready to present it for each visit
• ✓ If the incarcerated person is incarcerated for a sex offense: complete DRC2296 exactly as required (including listing the sex crimes), then have the parent/legal guardian sign and notarize it before returning it
• ✓ For the adult’s first visit during reception: have the Visitor Application (DRC2096), Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554), and General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274) signed and ready, along with a copy of the adult’s bona fide photo ID