How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at Tift County Law Detention (GDC Visitor Approval)

GDC visitation works in two parts: first you become an approved visitor, then you request a scheduled visit. This article covers the approval side - who counts as immediate family, what to do if you're not, and how to submit the right paperwork to Tift County Law Detention. Visiting hours and check-in rules vary by location, so think of approval as the permission step. Confirm the facility's current visit procedures separately before you travel.

Under GDC rules, immediate family members can be requested for visitation approval. This typically includes parents, siblings, a spouse, grandparents, grandchildren, and children. If you fit one of those categories, you're on the simplest path - your relationship already meets the definition used for approval.

Not immediate family? Step-parents, in-laws, cousins, friends, employers, and pastors can still visit - but it goes through a different process. The key: your loved one has to initiate it. They complete a Significant Relationship Visitor Application and submit it to the Warden/Superintendent for review. The facility may ask for documentation to verify the relationship. Once a decision is made, your loved one gets notified and is responsible for letting you know the outcome.

Start by downloading and completing the GDC Visitation Request Form. This form puts you in the system as an approved visitor - it identifies you and your connection to the incarcerated person so the facility can review your request. Fill it out completely and accurately, especially the details that tie your request to the correct person and location.

Don't confuse approval with scheduling. GDC has an online visit request form for scheduling visits - but that's not the same as becoming an approved visitor. Approval comes first. You need to complete the Visitation Request Form and submit it to the facility where your loved one is housed.

Once your Visitation Request Form is complete, submit it to Tift County Law Detention. This kicks off the approval review at the facility level. Want to schedule an actual visit date? That's handled separately through the online visit request form - but only after you're approved.

What happens after you submit depends on your approval path. For significant relationship visitors, the process is offender-initiated: your loved one completes the Significant Relationship Visitor Application, which goes to the Warden/Superintendent for review. The facility may request supporting documentation to verify the relationship - this is normal. Once a decision is made, your loved one is notified and responsible for passing the news along to you.

• ✓ If you’re immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, grandparents, grandchildren, children), make sure your information clearly matches that relationship.
• ✓ If you’re not immediate family, confirm that the offender has initiated the Significant Relationship Visitor Application to the Warden/Superintendent.
• ✓ Be ready to provide supporting documentation if the facility requests it to verify the relationship.
• ✓ Wait for the offender to receive the approval/denial and notify you - especially for significant relationship requests.
• ✓ Before you travel, confirm Tift County Law Detention’s current visitation procedures (approval is separate from the schedule and check-in rules).