Bringing Children to Visit at Virginia Corrections Facility For Women: Rules and Documents You’ll Need

Everyone who wants to visit Virginia Corrections Facility For Women - adults and children alike - needs approval from the Central Visitation Unit first. Submit applications online through the DOC public website: adults fill out the Adult Visitor Application (851_F1), and children need the Minor Visitor Application (851_F6). Without that approval on file, staff won't let you in.

Here's the key detail for children: a minor's application must be attached to an adult's application during the online process. Your child isn't a "plus one" who can just tag along - they need their own Minor Visitor Application (851_F6), linked to an approved adult so the facility knows who's bringing them.

Children can't enter Virginia Corrections Facility For Women alone. A minor must be accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or another adult who's already an approved visitor. If you're not the child's parent or guardian, get your own visitor approval squared away before you plan the trip. You can't handle that at the front desk on visit day.

If you're the adult bringing a minor, expect to show paperwork at check-in every single time. The facility requires a completed Notarized Statement or a copy of a Court Order each visit. Even if the child is already approved, you'll be denied entry that day without it.

• ✓ Bring the completed Notarized Statement or a copy of the Court Order every time you bring the minor to visit
• ✓ Keep the original in a safe place and travel with clean copies you can hand over if asked
• ✓ Make sure your name and details match what you submitted on your visitation application
• ✓ Have at least one valid picture ID that matches your visitation application information
• ✓ Use an acceptable photo ID (driver’s license, military ID, passport for non-U.S. residents, or another official federal/state picture ID)
• ✓ Save a clear scan/photo of the paperwork at home so you can reprint quickly if something gets lost

The problems that trip families up are usually practical: paperwork left on the kitchen counter, a copy too faint to read, or the wrong adult showing up with the child. If anything about your documents has changed - or you're not sure they'll be accepted - call the visitation office before your visit. Don't hope it works out at the gate.

Build in extra time when you're bringing children. Visitors should arrive one hour before the visit for security screening - and that cushion matters even more with kids. Bathroom breaks, nerves, last-minute questions at the door: it all adds up. Late arrival can easily mean a missed visit.

1. Get your ID ready before you step inside - Bring at least one valid picture ID that matches the information on your visitation application (driver’s license, military ID, passport for non-U.S. residents, or another official federal/state picture ID).
2. Leave snacks and drinks behind - No food or drinks are allowed in the facility, and there’s no access to vending machines.
3. Prep your child for screening - Tell them ahead of time that staff will do security screening and you may need to wait in line; keeping expectations calm helps the check-in go smoother.