As if incarceration of a family member wasn’t hard enough, the Michigan DOC finds ways to makes things harder for families. The powers-that-be throw you in and expect you to suddenly know everything.
Obviously, this is impossible.
Sure, there’s a handbook online, but what if you don’t have access to the internet? Why aren’t courts required to provide a copy when they sentence someone to imprisonment? Why aren’t there resources to prepare families before a prison sentence?
But I digress.
Michigan is still entirely paper-based for visitor registration. Yes, it’s stupid. Yes, they could digitize and automate the process but they haven’t, so we too must play the game.
It is also important to note you are required to fill out a visitor registration for BOTH video and in-person visits.
Completing and Mailing in the Visitor Registration Forms for Your Family
I’d like to think I’m fairly smart, and I still struggled through the registration process for in-person and video visits. As a result, I wanted to capture the little things that slip through the cracks.
First, your spouse or family member will first need to include you on their approved visitor’s list. If you are not there, you will NOT be approved.
After that, You’ll first need to fill out the MDOC Visiting Registration Form CAJ-103 here. It will require your Driver’s License info, Incarcerated Individual’s info, aliases (maiden names), address, etc.
If You Have Kids
They will require you to fill out a registration for each of you, as well as copies of birth certificates for your children to prove parentage. So for our family, I had to complete three applications, though I only received my approved application back.
When you can finally visit, bring original copies of the kids’ birth certificates; they will ask to see them.
Even for video visits. The night before we have a visit, I prep by placing my State Issued ID and my children’s birth certificates at my desk.
Another important step to note: you will not receive anything if you’re approved, UNLESS you include a self-addressed and stamped envelope to return your approved application.
Otherwise, you would only receive a mailed notice if you are rejected.
WAIT FOR IT
I filled out registration to visit my husband the day he moved to a facility where I could visit him. That was on April 14, 2023. My registration was finally approved on May 14th, and arrived in the mail on May 20, 2023.
I was not able to visit until June 4th after resolving issues described below.
Register in the MI DOC GTL Visitor Portal and Be Prepared to Troubleshoot
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT register until your application has been approved. Otherwise, you may need to call GTL to correct issues.
I had to call GTL twice to assist in resolving issues. During one call, I learned that I registered too soon and my registration needed to be pushed back through. a second time because myself and my son were registered but my daughter was not. Sometimes when this happens, GTL may need to manually push a registration back to the Facility. You may need to email or call to make sure someone reviews and approves.
Ask Your Incarcerated Loved One to Ask Around for Points of Contact
In addition, you may have to contact the Facility multiple times. Many Michigan Prisons, do not have a visitor registration voicemail box set up, which is extremely frustrating.
Tapping into others’ experience can save you some time and heartache.
Know Before you Go
There’s also rules for both video and in-person visits. Make sure you read them before you schedule a visit:
Your Turn: Tell Me About Your Experience.
Have you had issues with visiting an incarcerated loved one? What tips or tricks did you pick up along the way?
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