I am acquainted with someone who has recently been denied visitation with his son. It is not expected that the son will receive a prison release within the remaining lifetime of the father. What is a CINI report? Visitation was denied based upon a lack of disclosure which matched this report. The father did however go to all previous arresting agencies to see what previous violations were posted and was certain to disclose all information which could be found.

What state and prison system is the son in?

Until the whole thing gets straightened out, maybe they could request special visits? It's kind of a pain, but sometimes they will go along with it. My husband and I had to use them for several months when he lost visitation with non-family members (we were engaged at the time). It's probably worth a try.

Upon further research I found out that the report is one which is issued by the Sherriff's Department in the county where we reside and my acquaintance has a prior conviction (a misdemeaner, over ten years ago, for which 9 months was served in a county facility). It shows all contact with the police.

In an effort to see his son an application was first submitted (in California, form CDC A106). It was denied based upon an unintended ommission (the father was not clear on what disclosure was expected). A waiting period of 6 months was imposed before considering any further application. However, my friend was able to personally converse with the visiting sargeant (now promoted to leutenant) at the facility. Additional documentation was permitted, the 6 month delay suspended, the application further reviewed. Then, denied. At this point an application cannot be resubmitted until some time in May of 2002, at which time there is still no guarantee that it will be approved.

We are now in the process of having the criminal record of the father esponged, contacting the warden directly to ask for further consideration and giving notification to the visitation omsbusman of where we are in this process.

In answer to your question, the facility is Corcoran, in the state of California. Any other suggestions based upon experience are welcomed.

We are also going to request special visits. Upon reviewing the requirements in California there is a provision for excessive distance. The provision states that consideration can be given if the visitor is traveling in excess of 250 miles and has not been permitted a visit within the last 90 days. The distance we must travel is in excess of 300 miles.

Relevant to the matter, the father has been previously treated for lung cancer, has deminished lung capacity and recurrent upper respiratory and esophogeal probolems. I believe it would need to be a two day trip. The question is whether or not we want to committ to this effort only to be turned away at the gate. It could be setting ourselves up for a huge disappointment. Or, do we request "special visits" also in advance?

Sounds like they're about the same as here. My mother was denied for a criminal history (midemeanor 10 years ago) and I just found out yesterday about a man that was denied seeing his son for trespassing 27 years ago when he was 17!

I'm not sure about CA, but at NHSP, the inmate needs to put in a request for a special visit prior to the visit. Kenny usually puts them in 2 weeks in advance, 1 week if he will be able to call me on short notice. If the visit is approved, you just show up and tell them it's a special visit and the inmate has to bring the paperwork into the visit. However, if the request is denied, the best thing they can do is talk with the person who denied it. Kenny requested a visit with my mom, and the major denied it. We talked to Officer Potter yesterday, and he said Kenny should talk to the major, explain that it was 10 years ago and that it was for something stupid (shoplifting in my mom's case), that she is now 61 years old, has health problems, etc, and ask if they would reconsider the denial and approve it. But certainly try to get the charge cleared! Sometimes, if it was a long time ago, they will clear it. My mom could have done it after 1 year, but forgot...and now it's biting her in the butt!!

What you are saying makes so much sense. My acquaintance is going through such disappointment, resentment, frustration and heartache over this denial. As difficult as the thought is to entertain, the truth is that something could happen at any time. My friend is at an age where he could experience any number of health related difficulties and never be able to see his son. At this point we can expect that it will certainly not occur anytime before July, 2002. If he begins the espongement procress immediately, then when he reapplies in May, there will be no criminal charge on the record to be used against him.

At this point he is going through the frustration of trying to justify the fact that he poses no security risk. He is not a threat to anyone; however, the people in charge of determining the acceptance and rejection of his application are not interested in such justifications. Rules are rules.

I try not to discuss the matter with him because clearly it is distressing. But he has been very open about it all with me as of late (with exception of the son's charge, I know it is a matter of public record but I want to respect the families privacy). At this point it has been two years since the father has seen the son. Thanks for your experience and encouragement.

Hello:

I live in the State of North Carolina. My son has been in the Prison System for 12 years. He met a girl who worked at Spruce Pine Prison Unit 1 year ago. She was an office employee. They began to correspond in the Prison Mail and she saw him once in awhile for three months. They fired her in November 2000. My son was shipped 250 miles away from home to Goldsboro NC. She was able to go visit him for 8 months in Goldsboro. I finally got him moved closer to home in October 2001. The NC Dept of Corrections wrote his girlfried a letter from the Head office in Raleigh, N. C. telling her she could not visit any inmate in any DOC Camp in the State. She has tried to get her visitation back in several ways including seeing an attorney. The DOC will not give her any reason as to why she cannot visit. They will not even give our NC Representation (Jessee Helms) a reason. Nor will they give an attorney a reason....... It looks like someone can force them to give her a reason as to why she cannot visit him. What can she do to get help with this situation.

I have found success by writing the warden when I have been denied visitation.
I mention that I have submitted all information to the best of my recollection. I was denied once for forgetting a speeding ticket even though I mention all other more serious prior offences.
If you have any personal references that could write a letter and attest to his character that can help too.
The warden has the key to allowing visitation the is denied based on the policy.
It might take a month or so to get a reply, but it is better than waiting 6 months.

Good luck.

What prison is his son in?