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Understanding the Virginia Adult Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization form, commonly referred to as the Visitation Status At Virginia form, is pivotal for individuals aiming to visit inmates at a Department of Corrections (DOC) facility in Virginia. This document serves a dual purpose: it acts not only as an application for adults looking to gain visitation privileges but also authorizes the DOC to perform a background check on the applicant. Applicants, including those 18 and older or emancipated minors, must complete the form thoroughly and honestly, acknowledging that visitation is a privilege that can be suspended or revoked based on rules violations, overcrowding, or suspicious behavior. The form requires detailed personal information, such as legal names, identification numbers, and contact details, along with information about the offender being visited. It also prompts applicants to disclose their legal relationship with the offender and provide specific vehicle information if applicable. Importantly, the form addresses the need for notarized approval for any visitor under 18 who is not the applicant’s child or legal ward. Additionally, it includes a section where applicants must answer questions regarding any past felony convictions, affiliations with correctional facilities, parole or probation status, victim status related to the offender, and any past or present gang associations. With a clear declaration that providing false information is grounds for denied visitation, the form emphasizes the importance of accuracy and honesty in its completion.

Visitation Status At Virginia Example

 

REPORT OF VISITATION FORMAT

VIRGINIA

REPORT OF VISITATION

 

By (name of agency)

 

Agency Case No.

 

Virginia Adoption Case No.

 

Chancery No. (if applicable)

 

(Current Date)

In The Circuit Court of (city/county)

In Re: Adoption of ___________________________________

(child's name)

Also Known As ________________________________

(show all names by which child is known)

To Be Named _________________________________

By ___________________________________________

(male petitioner's name)

And __________________________________________

(female petitioner's name)

__________________________________________

(street address)

__________________________________________

(specify city or county)

To the Honorable (Judge's name), Judge of the Circuit Court of the (city/county):

An interlocutory order having been entered on (date), the (name of agency) herewith makes the following Report of Visitation, pursuant to Section 63.2-1212 Code of Virginia:

Identify the child, stating race, sex, date and place of birth, whether verified and birth registration number, name as it appears on the birth certificate, and relationship to petitioners.

Statement regarding the visits, giving the dates of the visits. State where the visits occurred and who was seen.

Paragraph reporting any changes in the home situation.

Paragraph summarizing the child's present condition and development since the initial investigation.

032-04-0097-00-eng (07/13)

Report of Visitation Format (Continued)

Summary of contacts the natural family may have had with the child, petitioners or agency.

In a parental placement adoption, include any additional information obtained that pertains to the circumstances of the placement. Such information would include financial arrangements, exchange of property among the parties, and the fees paid or charged for services or related to the placement or adoption of the child.

Evaluation of the adoption and a statement concerning the court action which would appear to be in the child's best interest. The fee assessed to the petitioner is $_____. If the report is submitted before the end of the probationary period, a

statement should indicate the action to be taken at the conclusion of the probationary period and the 21 days allowed for the Commissioner's review of the report.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________________

Superintendent/Director (name of agency)

OR

John Doe

Superintendent/Director

By ____________________________

(name and title of person signing report)

Prepared by: (caseworker's name)

NOTE: Please note that formal headings are not used in the body of the report and all copies of the report are to be signed by the Superintendent/Director or designated person above.

032-04-0097-00-eng (07/13)

Form Properties

Fact Detail
Purpose of Form This form serves as an application and authorization for adults (those 18 or over or emancipated minors) to undergo a background investigation for visiting privileges at a Department of Corrections (DOC) facility in Virginia.
Visitation Privilege Visitation of offenders at a DOC facility in Virginia is considered a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked or suspended for rule violations, overcrowding, or suspicious behavior.
Application Requirements Applicants must provide personal information, details about the offender they wish to visit, and any vehicle information if applicable. A written notarized approval is required for visitors under 18 years old if the applicant is not the parent or legal guardian.
Background Investigation Criteria Candidates must disclose any felony convictions, association with gangs, motorcycle clubs, racial supremacy groups, or similar organizations, and any current parole or probation supervision. Employment, voluntary work, or contracts with the Department of Corrections or Department of Correctional Education must also be declared.
Governing Law The form references Code of Virginia §18.2-46.1 for definitions related to gang, motorcycle club, racial supremacy group, or other such group associations. This code helps determine eligibility for visitation rights based on affiliations.

Steps to Filling Out Visitation Status At Virginia

Filling out the Visitation Status At Virginia form is a critical step for anyone looking to visit an offender in a Virginia Department of Corrections facility. This form serves as both an application for visitation rights and authorization for a background check. It's important to provide accurate and complete information to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Follow these steps to complete the form correctly.

  1. Begin with the section titled Visitor Information. Check the box if you are an emancipated minor. Otherwise, proceed to fill in your legal last name, first name, and middle initial (MI).
  2. Enter your DMV or ID card number followed by the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).
  3. Provide details about your race, gender, hair color, eye color, height, weight, date of birth, and place of birth including county or city and state/country.
  4. Fill in your current mailing address, including street address, city or town, state, zip code, country, email address, and phone number.
  5. Move to the section titled Information on Offender You Want to Visit. State the incarcerated name and number of the offender, your legal relationship to them, and the facility where they are located.
  6. In the Vehicle Information section, note the make, model, year, and plate number of your vehicle.
  7. For visitors under 18 who will accompany you, list their first and last names and check the appropriate box to indicate your relationship as their parent or legal guardian. Remember, a separate Minor Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization form must be attached for each minor.
  8. Answer the conditions questions truthfully. These questions cover topics such as previous felony convictions, past employment or volunteer work with the Department of Corrections, current supervision under parole or probation, connection to the offender's crime, and any association with gangs or supremacist groups.
  9. Sign and date the form to authorize the Department of Corrections to conduct a criminal records check and verify the accuracy of the information provided. Misrepresenting facts on this form could lead to denial of visiting privileges.
  10. Review your form to ensure all necessary spaces are filled out and the information is legible and accurate.
  11. Mail the completed form to the Visitor Registration Unit at P.O. Box 26963, Richmond, Virginia 23261-6963.

Once the form is received, it will be processed, and a background check will be initiated. This process may take some time, so planning ahead and submitting your form well before your intended visit is advisable. Approval is at the discretion of the Virginia Department of Corrections, and visitation rights may be suspended or revoked if rules are violated or for other listed reasons.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Virginia Adult Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization form?

This form is used by individuals who wish to obtain permission to visit inmates in a Department of Corrections (DOC) facility in Virginia. It serves as a request for visitation privileges and authorizes the DOC to conduct a background check to ensure the safety and security of the facility, inmates, and visitors. The form is necessary for adults over the age of 18 or emancipated minors who want to visit someone incarcerated in a Virginia DOC facility.

Who needs to fill out this form?

Any adult aged 18 and over, or an emancipated minor, who wants to visit an inmate in a Virginia Department of Corrections facility needs to fill out this form. It is also required to fill out a separate form for each minor they wish to bring along on the visit, providing notarized approval from the minor's parent or legal guardian if they are not the parent or legal guardian themselves.

What information is required on the form?

The form requires a variety of information, including:

  • Visitor's personal information such as legal name, date of birth, DMV or ID card number, and contact details.
  • Information about the offender the visitor wants to visit, including their name and the facility where they are incarcerated.
  • The visitor's legal relationship to the offender.
  • Vehicle information for visitors planning to drive to the facility.
  • A list of minors accompanying the visitor, along with a check if the visitor is the parent or guardian of those minors.
  • Several questions regarding the visitor's background, including any felony convictions, previous employment or volunteer history with the Department of Corrections, and more.

What happens if I provide false information on the form?

Providing false information on the Virginia Adult Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization form is grounds for denying visiting privileges. It is critical to provide accurate and truthful information to ensure your application is processed properly.

Can visitation privileges be revoked?

Yes, visitation privileges can be revoked or suspended for violations of the rules, overcrowding, suspicious behavior, or any other reason deemed necessary by the Department of Corrections to maintain the safety and security of the facility.

What should I do if I have been convicted of a felony?

If you have been convicted of a felony, you must disclose this information on the form. Depending on the nature of the felony and your current status, you may still be eligible for visitation, but this is at the discretion of the Department of Corrections. In some cases, additional documentation or approval from parole officers or the warden may be required.

Is there anything I need to do if I am currently under active parole or probation supervision?

Yes, if you are under active parole or probation supervision, you must obtain written permission from your chief parole officer and the Warden/Superintendent of the facility you wish to visit. This permission must be submitted along with your application form.

How do I submit the completed form?

The completed form should be mailed to the Visitor Registration Unit at the address provided on the form: P.O. Box 26963, Richmond, Virginia 23261-6963. Make sure all sections of the form are filled out completely and legibly before mailing it to ensure smooth processing of your application.

Common mistakes

When filling out the Visitation Status At Virginia form, it's crucial to pay close attention to the details to ensure a smooth application process. However, some common mistakes can hinder your application. Here's a breakdown of the four most frequent errors:

  1. Not filling out all required fields: Every space on the form asks for specific information. Skipping any sections can delay the process or lead to the outright rejection of your application.

  2. Providing inaccurate information: The details you provide, especially your legal name, date of birth, and any identification numbers, must match your official documents. Mismatches here can cause unnecessary confusion and verification obstacles.

  3. Failing to include notarized approval for minors not legally in your custody: If you plan to bring visitors under 18 years old who you aren't the parent or legal guardian of, you need written, notarized consent from their parent or guardian. Overlooking this requirement can prevent these minors from being approved for visitation.

  4. Omitting vehicle information if driving to the facility: For those intending to drive to the visitation, providing complete vehicle information is essential. This includes the make, model, year, and plate number of your vehicle. This detail is crucial for the facility’s security measures.

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly enhance the likelihood of your visitation application being approved without delay. Remember, visitation at a DOC facility is a privilege, not a right, so it's in your best interest to ensure your application is as accurate and complete as possible.

Documents used along the form

When applying for visitation privileges at a Virginia Department of Corrections facility using the Visitation Status At Virginia form, several other forms, and documents might be necessary or helpful to complete the application process effectively. These additional documents ensure that all aspects of the inmate's and visitor's backgrounds are accurately represented and any legal or procedural requirements are fulfilled.

  • Minor Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization: Required for each child under the age of 18 accompanying the adult visitor, detailing the minor’s information and authorizing a background check.
  • Notarized Approval for Minor Visitors: A document providing notarized consent from the parent or legal guardian for the visitation of minors, necessary when the adult applying is not the parent or legal guardian of the child(ren).
  • Proof of Relationship Document: Official documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or legal paperwork establishing the relationship between the visitor and the inmate, when applicable.
  • Parole or Probation Officer Permission Letter: A letter from a parole or probation officer granting permission for the visit, required for visitors who are currently under supervision.
  • Photo Identification: A government-issued identification card (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) to confirm the identity of the visitor.
  • Vehicle Registration Document: For visitors planning to drive to the facility, vehicle registration papers may be needed to comply with parking and on-site security protocols.
  • Facility Visitation Guidelines: A document or brochure outlining the specific rules, scheduled visiting hours, and any particular procedures unique to the facility, available upon request.
  • Previous Criminal Convictions Declaration Form: A form where the visitor discloses any past felony convictions, pertinent to the background check process.
  • Current Offense Declaration Form: For visitors who may be victims of the inmate’s current offense, a declaration form acknowledging the nature of their relationship to the inmate and the crime committed.
  • Gang Affiliation Declaration Form: A document where the visitor must declare whether they have ever been a member or associated with any gang, motorcycle club, racial supremacy group, or similar organization as outlined in the Code of Virginia.

Collectively, these documents facilitate a thorough review by the Virginia Department of Corrections, ensuring the safety and security of both visitors and inmates. It is imperative for applicants to provide accurate and comprehensive information across all required forms to support a smooth visitation approval process.

Similar forms

The Visitation Status At Virginia form shares similarities with several other documents commonly used in the context of correctional facility visitations and legal processes. These documents include the Minor Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization, Facility Visitation Rules and Regulations, and Notarized Authorization for Minor's Visit forms. Each document serves a unique purpose but collectively they ensure the safety, legality, and orderliness of visitations.

The Minor Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization is particularly similar to our form in that it also requires detailed information about the visitor, albeit for individuals under the age of 18. Like the Adult Visitor Application, this form serves as a means to authorize and record those who are seeking to visit inmates, ensuring that all parties involved are vetted for security purposes. The requirement to fill out personal details, the consent to undergo a background check, and the stipulation that visiting is a privilege that can be revoked under certain circumstances are common threads between these two applications. What sets them apart are their target demographics – one is aimed at adults and emancipated minors while the other is specifically for underage visitors.

The Facility Visitation Rules and Regulations document, while not a form, complements the Visitation Status At Virginia form by outlining the Do's and Don'ts during a visit to ensure security and order within the facility. It provides a comprehensive list of behavioral expectations, prohibited items, and the possible consequences of rule violations. Although it doesn't gather personal details, it's integral to the visitation process, offering a framework within which the privileges granted by forms like the Visitation Status At Virginia are exercised. Essentially, it acts as a handbook that, together with the application forms, ensures the visitation process not only respects the rights of the visitors but also upholds the correctional facility’s need for security.

Lastly, the Notarized Authorization for Minor's Visit form is noteworthy for its specific requirement of a notarized signature from a minor’s parent or legal guardian, authorizing the child’s visit to the correctional facility. This form ensures that minors have explicit permission to visit, a safeguard that parallels the adult and minor background check authorizations in its aim to validate the visitor's legitimacy and to protect the well-being of all involved. Similar to the Adult Visitor Application, this form underscores the necessity of consent and accountability in the visitation process, yet it places a particular emphasis on the protection and legal oversight of underage visitors.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Visitation Status at Virginia form, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here's what you should and shouldn't do:

Things You Should Do
  • Ensure all information is legible. Write clearly to avoid any misunderstandings or processing delays.
  • Complete every field on the form. Empty spaces can lead to your application being delayed or rejected.
  • Provide accurate and truthful information. Any discrepancies found during the background check may result in the denial of visitation rights.
  • Include the minor visitor application and background investigation authorization for each child under 18 if they are accompanying you.
  • Attach written notarized approval from the parent or legal guardian if you are not the parent or legal guardian of the child visitor.
  • Read and understand all conditions and statements before signing the form. Your signature is your acknowledgment of the terms.
Things You Shouldn't Do
  • Leave any spaces blank. If a particular field does not apply to you, ensure to mark it with N/A (not applicable).
  • Guess information. If you're unsure about specific details, such as an offender's facility or identification number, verify it before submitting the form.
  • Provide incomplete documentations for minor visitors. Remember, each child requires their own application and authorization.
  • Sign the form without fully reading or understanding the agreement and authorization statements. This could lead to unintentional violations of the terms.
  • Forget to check whether you meet all conditions for visitation, such as not being under active parole or probation supervision without permission.
  • Submit outdated contact information. Ensure your mailing address, email, and phone number are current for any communications regarding your visitation status.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions about the Visitation Status At Virginia form, particularly regarding the process and requirements for applying to visit someone in a correctional facility in Virginia. Understanding these can help applicants navigate the process more smoothly.

  • Every applicant will be approved. Just because an application is submitted does not guarantee approval. The Virginia Department of Corrections reserves the right to deny visitation rights based on background checks, facility rules, overcrowding, or any suspicious behavior observed.
  • Completing the form guarantees immediate visitation. Once submitted, the application undergoes a review process that can take time. Approval is not immediate, and visitation cannot occur until authorization is granted.
  • You do not need to provide detailed personal information. The form requires applicants to fill out all spaces legibly and completely, including sensitive information such as the last four digits of the Social Security Number and detailed visitor information. This comprehensive data collection is essential for the background investigation.
  • Minors do not need separate authorization. If minors are accompanying an adult visitor, a separate Minor Visitor Application and Background Investigation Authorization form must be attached for each child. Additionally, notarized approval from the minor's parent or legal guardian is required if the visitor is not the parent or legal guardian.
  • A criminal record automatically disqualifies you. Having a felony conviction does not necessarily mean an automatic denial. Each application is considered individually, and factors such as the nature of the offense, rehabilitation efforts, and the relationship to the inmate may be considered.
  • Previous employment or volunteer work with the Department of Corrections disqualifies you. This is not true. The form asks if you have ever been employed by, volunteered with, or contracted by the Department of Corrections to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest, not to automatically disqualify applicants.

Understanding these misconceptions can help applicants accurately complete their Visitation Status At Virginia forms, set realistic expectations for the visitation approval process, and increase the chances of being granted visitation rights.

Key takeaways

When you plan to visit someone in a Virginia Department of Corrections facility, understanding how to correctly fill out the Visitation Status at Virginia form is crucial. Here are nine key takeaways to ensure you complete the process smoothly and successfully:

  • Eligibility: The form is intended for use by individuals who are 18 years of age or older, or those who are emancipated minors, wishing to visit offenders in a Department of Corrections (DOC) facility.
  • Privilege Acknowledgment: It's important to recognize that visiting an offender is considered a privilege by the DOC, and this privilege can be revoked or suspended due to rule violations, overcrowding, or suspicious behavior.
  • Completeness: When filling out the form, every space must be filled out completely and legibly. Incomplete forms may result in processing delays or outright denials.
  • Personal Information: Accurate visitor information, including your legal name, contact details, and identifying information such as DMV or ID card number and the last four digits of your SSN, is required.
  • Offender Information: You must provide detailed information regarding the offender you wish to visit, including their incarcerated name and number, facility, and your legal relationship to them.
  • Minor Visitors: If you plan to bring visitors under the age of 18, you must attach a Minor Visitor Application for each child and provide notarized approval from their parent or legal guardian if you are not the parent or guardian.
  • Background Authorization: By signing the form, you authorize the Department of Corrections to conduct a criminal records check or use any DOC records to verify the accuracy of the information you've provided.
  • Truthfulness: It is imperative to be truthful when completing the form. Providing false information is grounds for being denied visiting privileges.
  • Submission Process: Once you've completed the form, mail it to the Visitor Registration Unit at the provided address. Make sure to double-check the form for accuracy and completeness before submitting.

Understanding and adhering to these guidelines can assist you in successfully gaining visitation privileges to see an offender at a Virginia Department of Corrections facility. Taking the time to fill out your application correctly and thoroughly is key to a smooth application process.

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