Family support resources and safety rules for child visits
If your loved one is in an NHDOC state prison, ask about the Family Connections Center (FCC). This family resource center is located in all three NH State Prisons and minimum-security units, including the Shea Farm Transitional Housing Unit for women. The FCC has provided family support services and parenting education in NHDOC since 1998. NHDOC also offers "Family Ties Inside Out," a program created under a Waypoint Second Chance Grant to connect newly incarcerated parents to local family resource centers.
- Ask whether a trained chaperone is required. NHDOC says if you have been told the inmate requires a trained chaperone for visitation, that chaperone must complete Safeguard Training.
- Complete the Safeguard Training application if you will bring minors. NHDOC says the friend or family member who wants to bring minor children must complete the Safeguard Training Application.
- Make sure the trained adult is also an approved visitor. NHDOC says whoever completes the training must be an approved visitor and will be the only one permitted to bring in minor visitors.
- Be ready for additional safeguards or restrictions. NHDOC says inmates incarcerated for crimes against children, or with a history of crimes against children, may have child visitation denied or further restricted, or may be required to have the accompanying adult complete Safeguard Training.
Tip: For Rockingham County corrections questions, the department lists its address as 99 North Road, Brentwood, NH 03833 and its phone as (603) 679-2244.
Common Questions
Q
How do I schedule a visit at Cheshire County and what are the visiting hours?
Cheshire County states that visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. It lists general population visitation windows of 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m., and it also lists no visitation from 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. If you need to reach the Sheriff’s Office by mail, Cheshire County lists 12 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431.
Q
Can I bring my children to visit an incarcerated parent in NH?
In NHDOC facilities, the adult bringing minors may be required to complete Safeguard Training. NHDOC also says whoever completes the training must be an approved visitor and will be the only one permitted to bring minor visitors into the visitation room. NHDOC warns that inmates incarcerated for crimes against children, or with a history of crimes against children, may have child visitation denied or further restricted.
Q
Who do I contact for general NHDOC questions or to arrange a donation?
For general questions, NHDOC directs you to email the Public Information Office at feedback@doc.nh.gov. To donate items, NHDOC says to contact the DOC warehouse at (603) 271-1876 or the Office of Financial Management at (603) 271-5607. NHDOC also states that by law, donated items must be approved by the Governor and Executive Council.
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