WELCOME…
A note on expectations
The Visiting Rooms is an informational and community-based resource.
It is not legal advice, crisis support, or a replacement for official sources.
The goal is clarity, shared knowledge, and support — offered without pressure or expectation.
How to use the site
Most people start by Choosing a State, especially if they’re looking for concrete answers or step-by-step information.
Others may choose to explore the Community for shared experience, clarification, or perspective.
You can move through the site in any order and return to sections as needed.
This page is designed to help you orient yourself to The Visiting Rooms and decide where to begin.
The site was created to make incarceration-related information easier to understand, easier to find, and less overwhelming — especially when you’re navigating unfamiliar systems for the first time.
Who this site is for
The Visiting Rooms is intended for:
Partners, family members, and friends of incarcerated individuals
People who are incarcerated and seeking clearer information
Anyone supporting someone affected by incarceration
What you’ll find here
The site is organized into two main parts:
State by State
This section focuses on practical, informational resources — such as visitation, communication, accounts, and facility-specific processes. Much of this information is free and available without joining the community.
The Community
This area includes paid message boards (“Rooms”) where members can ask questions, share experiences, or simply read along. Participation is self-directed, and observation without posting is welcome. Your privacy is paramount to our mission.
About how this site came to be
The Visiting Rooms grew out of lived experience navigating incarceration-related systems firsthand.
During that process, it became clear how fragmented, inconsistent, and difficult to access reliable information can be — particularly during already stressful moments.
This site exists to reduce that burden by gathering information in one place, explaining processes in plain language, and offering optional connection where it may be helpful.