Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

Who Can Visit Someone at WRDCC? Eligibility, Approval, and Appeals

Visiting someone at WRDCC starts with one key step: getting approved first. Here's who can apply, how the process works, and what to do if you're denied or restricted.

• 3 min read • doc.mo.gov
Who Can Visit Someone at WRDCC? Eligibility, Approval, and Appeals

WRDCC allows a wide range of immediate family members to apply. This includes spouses, legal guardians, parents, in-laws, siblings, and children. Grandparents, great-grandparents, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren also qualify as immediate family.

Extended family can apply too. Uncles, aunts, and cousins are all eligible to submit a visiting application.

You don't have to be related. Significant others, friends, and clergy can also apply - they just go through the same application and approval process as everyone else.

Note: Visitors may visit only one offender unless they are an immediate family member of more than one offender.

Who Can Visit Someone at WRDCC? Eligibility, Approval, and Appeals

You must be pre-approved before visiting WRDCC. Complete the visiting application thoroughly and honestly before trying to schedule or show up for a visit.

The Department of Corrections runs a criminal history check on all visitor applications. This is standard - expect your background to be reviewed before a decision is made.

  • ✓ Enter the offender’s ID number when you start the online visiting application.
  • ✓ Complete every required field marked with an asterisk (*).
  • ✓ Don’t submit an online application if you’re applying for clergy status.
  • ✓ Don’t submit an online application if you’re a minor applying to visit an offender who is restricted to adult-only.
  • ✓ If you’re not sure whether those exceptions apply to you, contact the Institutional Case Manager.
  1. Write your appeal letter - If your visiting application is denied, you can appeal.
  2. Mail it within 30 days - Send your letter within 30 days to: Missouri Department of Corrections, Attn: Deputy Division Director of Adult Institutions, 2729 Plaza Drive, PO Box 236, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

A denial doesn't block you forever. If your application is denied and you don't appeal (or the appeal doesn't change the decision), you can reapply after one year.

Denial isn't the only obstacle - visiting restrictions can also be imposed as sanctions. If that happens, the institution sends you a written notice explaining the infraction and the sanctions. You can appeal in writing to the Missouri Department of Corrections at 2729 Plaza Drive, PO Box 236, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

Practical Tips Concerns

  • ✓ Keep copies of what you submit and any letters you receive, so you can reference dates and details if you appeal.
  • ✓ Re-check your application for missing required fields (the ones marked with an asterisk *).
  • ✓ If you’re unsure whether you should use the online application (especially for clergy status or certain minor visitor situations), contact the Institutional Case Manager for guidance.

Sorting out a visiting situation connected to clergy or religious support? Contact Chaplain Efrem Byrd at extension 1564 or Efrem.Byrd@doc.mo.gov.

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