How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at Southern Ohio C.F. (CRC): Step-by-Step
CRC is a reception center, so visits work a bit differently here. Follow these steps to get your paperwork accepted and avoid delays.
CRC has reception-specific rules that catch families off guard. If your loved one is in reception, they can't receive visits during their first eight (8) days. After that, plan your group carefully - CRC allows a maximum of five (5) visitors at one time, and that count includes children who can walk.
For most adults, the process starts the same way: submit the official Visitor Application (DRC-2096) at your first visit during reception. Until that application is processed and approved, you won't be able to schedule regular visits.
- Get the DRC-2096 Visitor Application - Use the official adult application (DRC-2096); CRC requires adults to submit it at their first visit during reception.
- Fill it out completely - Provide the basic information the institution uses to evaluate you as a visitor (your identifying information, contact details, and your relationship to the incarcerated person). Incomplete applications are one of the easiest ways to slow the process down.
- Attach a clear copy of your government-issued photo ID - Your application must include a legible copy of your photo ID. If the copy isn’t readable, it can hold up approval.
- Submit the full packet together - Turn in the completed DRC-2096 with your ID copy as a single, complete submission so staff can process it without having to track down missing pieces.
Note: Your photo ID copy must be legible. Blurry, cut-off, or hard-to-read copies will delay your approval while you fix the issue.
Along with the visitor application, CRC requires two signed ODRC forms: the Declaration of Understanding (DRC-2554) and the General Visiting Instructions (DRC-2274). These are where you acknowledge the visiting rules and agree to follow them before you can be considered for approval.
Reminder: Sign the DRC-2554 and DRC-2274 during your first-visit processing. Your signatures confirm you understand and will follow the visiting rules.
On probation or parole? You'll need one more item: a letter from your probation/parole officer granting permission to visit. CRC requires this letter as part of your application materials.
Include that permission letter with your DRC-2096 packet at your first visit. Without it, your application won't be considered complete - and that means delays or a stalled approval process.
After you submit your packet, staff review and verify everything, then approve or deny your request. The person you applied to visit gets notified of the decision. The key point: you need an approved visitor application before you can arrange a visit.
Bottom line: Don't try to schedule before you're approved. The visit comes after your application is processed and accepted.
Once you're approved, there's one more step: register with GTL VisitMe to reserve your visit. Approval gets you on the list; GTL registration is how you book the actual time.
Quick Checklist First Visit
- ✓ Completed adult Visitor Application (DRC-2096)
- ✓ Signed Declaration of Understanding (DRC-2554)
- ✓ Signed General Visiting Instructions (DRC-2274)
- ✓ Legible copy of a government-issued photo ID
- ✓ If you’re on probation/parole: a permission letter from your probation/parole officer granting you permission to visit
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