Turney Center — First 60 Days: What Immediate Family Can Do Before Official Approval

Normally, visitors can't come until their application is approved. But there's an exception for immediate family of newly committed inmates: during this early period, the Warden can temporarily add immediate family members to the approved visitor list while the official application works its way through the system. This temporary access bridges the gap while paperwork is processed - it doesn't replace the application, and it won't last forever.

This temporary approval only covers immediate family members. The Warden can add those names to the approved list while waiting on the formal visitation application. Beyond this temporary exception, immediate family members - plus up to eight additional visitors - can apply for the inmate's regular visitation list. One rule catches people off guard: a visitor generally can't be on more than one offender's visitation list. The exception? If you're immediate family, you may still qualify even if you're already approved to visit someone else.

1. Ask your loved one about the CR-2152 form - Blank copies of the Visitation Application (CR-2152) are furnished to inmates at intake, so they should have a way to get the right form.
2. Fill it out and add a current photo - Prospective visitors must complete the CR-2152 and return it with a current photograph.
3. Mail it to the right official at the prison - Address it to the Associate Warden of Security (or the Deputy Superintendent, where applicable) at the prison address.
4. Do not mail it to the offender - Forms mailed to the offender will not be accepted, even if it feels faster or more direct.

• ✓ Completed CR-2152 visitation application
• ✓ A current photograph included with the form
• ✓ Expect an NCIC background check as part of the application review

Build your timeline around processing time. Visitation applications are supposed to be approved or denied within 30 days of receipt, and the state's guidance notes it takes about 30 days to process the form. Wait too long to submit, and your approval could easily come through after you need it most - especially if you're counting on that temporary immediate-family window to visit sooner.

Timing is everything here. If processing takes about 30 days, you don't have much wiggle room if you're already late in the 60-day window. Should the temporary period end before your application is finalized, you may have to wait until the approval comes through before you can visit again.

1. Confirm you mailed it to the correct office - The form should go to the Associate Warden of Security (or the Deputy Superintendent, where applicable) at the prison address, not to the offender.
2. Keep proof of what you sent - Hold onto a copy of what you mailed so you can quickly confirm what was submitted if there’s a question.
3. Track delivery - If you can confirm it was delivered to the prison, you’ll have a clearer sense of when the “30 days from receipt” clock likely started.