Visiting Applications and FAQ for Visiting an Idaho Inmate

Every inmate enjoys having visitors.  To an inmate, visitors represent hope and a connection to the outside world. Visitors bring a familiar feeling back to the inmate and can encourage them to get through their incarceration by using their time productively. Many potential visitors get discouraged and choose not to visit their inmate simply because they don't know what to expect, and where to start the visiting process.  To make it easier and to encourage everyone to visit we have assembled some of the most important things you should know before you visit your inmate in Idaho.

• All Adult visitors must complete an Idaho Inmate Visitors Application.
  • Your inmate must have completed the diagnostic and classification intake process before you can submit an application.  This process will determine which facility the inmate will be permanently housed at.
• All minors (anyone 17 and under) who are visiting an inmate must complete a visitor's application and a Minor's authorization form.
  • All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must also be approved.  If you are not the parent, but a legal guardian, you must bring a copy of the court order that granted you legal guardianship.
  • You must also bring a certified copy of the minor's birth certificate at the time of visit.
• After completing the Idaho inmate visitors application, return it to the facility by mail or in person.
• Once the visiting application is received a background check will be performed.
• Allow 2-4 weeks for your application to be processed and either denied or approved.
• The facility will inform the inmate of the status of your application.  It will be the inmate's responsibility to inform you if you have been approved or denied.  The facility will not contact you, and you will not be able to call the facility for a status on your application.
• Visitors over the age of 16 must bring a valid photo ID such as a drivers license.
• Cell phones, beepers, tablets, laptops, cameras, iPods, and all other electronic devices are prohibited from entering the institution.
• In addition to your ID, you may bring a single car key and small bills/coin for the vending machines.
• If you are bringing a small child/baby to visitation you may bring two diapers, wipes, a pacifier, two clear plastic bottles of liquid (milk, formula, juice, water), and a sealed container of baby food or cereal.
• All visitors will be searched and must pass through a metal detector.  If you drove your car onto institutional grounds it can also be searched.

Some additional information you may want to know when visiting an inmate in Idaho:

• Visiting applications expire after one year, and reapplication is required.
• If you move or your address changes, you must notify the visiting room staff during the first visit after the change.
• In a medium, minimum and community custody facility you may hold hands above the table.  All custody levels are allowed to have a brief, closed mouth kiss and embrace at the start and end of a visit.
• No tobacco or related products such as a lighter are allowed to enter into the facility, leave these items in your car.
• You may not give any items to the inmate during visitation.
• If you leave the visiting room you will not be allowed to reenter, be sure to use the bathroom before your visit.

Dress Code and Rules for Visitors of Idaho Inmates

When planning on visiting an inmate in Idaho you should read over the following dress code, and rules to be sure you are in compliance.  If you violate any of the rules you may be denied entry into visitation or could have your visiting privileges revoked.

• All visitors must wear shoes at all times.
• Underclothing must also be worn by all visitors.
• Clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, thighs, cleavage, or any excess skin is not allowed.
• Any clothing that closely resembles the inmate's clothes or the staff's clothes is prohibited.
• Uniforms such as military or fatigues, doctors/nurse scrubs are restricted from being worn.
• Any items that cover the face or head including hats, bandanas, and doo-rags are not allowed to be worn.
• Tight clothing such as spandex, leggings, tube tops, tank tops, or clothing that is sheer or see-through it cannot be worn.
• Skirts, shorts, and dresses that are above the knee or have a slit above the knee are not allowed.
• If your clothing contains offensive language or images you will not be allowed to visit.
• If you exhibit aggressive, disrespectful, or offensive behavior, such as being loud, abusive, using foul language, or have inappropriate contact, or if you fail to listen to any directive given by the staff, your visiting privileges will be terminated and you will be forced to leave.
• If you have minors with you, it is the visitor's responsibility to discipline their child and keep their behavior appropriate, the inmate is never allowed to discipline a visiting child.

It is up to the discretion of staff to determine what is appropriate and what violates the dress code, we encourage everyone to bring a change of clothing with them and leave it in their car.  This will enable you to quickly change your clothes in the event that you are denied entry because of dress.