Bringing Children to Visit at Turney Center: ID, Parental Consent, and Paperwork Checklist

Under Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) rules, a

TDOC treats anyone under 18 as a child for visitation purposes. TDOC also uses “toddler/infant” to mean any child age five or below, which mainly matters when you’re planning what you’re allowed to bring in for little ones.

Children under 16 don’t have to show identification to visit. Instead, TDOC requires that a copy of the child’s birth certificate and a CR-2152 visitation application with a recent picture are on file. If that paperwork and photo aren’t already submitted and accepted, the visit can’t move forward.

You only need the Parental Consent/Release for Minor's Visitation (CR-2152, page 2) when the custodial parent or legal guardian won't be accompanying the child. The custodial parent/legal guardian fills out this form to name the specific adult who will escort the child - and it also authorizes the child to be searched. That escort must be over 18 and already on the inmate's approved visitation list. Without both, the child won't be allowed in.

Practical Checklist Day of Visit

• ✓ CR-2152 visitation application submitted with a current photo (so it can be processed)
• ✓ For children under 16: a copy of the child’s birth certificate on file, plus the CR-2152 with a recent picture on file
• ✓ If the custodial parent/legal guardian is not coming: CR-2152 page 2 (Parental Consent/Release) completed and notarized, naming the authorized escort and consenting to the child’s search
• ✓ If you’re bringing a toddler/infant: only needed baby items (diapers, formula powder, unopened sealed baby food, etc.) in a clear plastic bag
• ✓ Leave all other items - phones, smart watches, wallets, etc. - secured in your vehicle

Start the paperwork well before your planned visit - not the week of. Inmates receive blank CR-2152 visitation applications, and prospective visitors must return the completed form with a current photograph to the Deputy Superintendent/Associate Warden in charge of visitation within 30 days. After the facility receives it, expect about 30 days for approval or denial. Build that processing time into your plans before committing to a specific visit date.

1. Get the consent form notarized by the right person - TDOC specifies a notary public, lawyer, or local postal official for the Parental Consent/Release (CR-2152 page 2).
2. Use a truly recent photo on the CR-2152 - the application requires a current photograph, and missing/outdated photos can slow everything down.
3. Turn in the CR-2152 early - the facility aims to approve or deny applications within 30 days of receipt, so submit well ahead of your planned visit.
4. Double-check what must be “on file” for kids under 16 - they don’t need ID, but the birth certificate copy and CR-2152 with a recent picture must already be on file.