Caroline Correctional Unit

The Caroline Correctional Unit is a minimum-security field unit that houses male inmates with no history of escape, attempted escape, and no behavioral issues for at least two years. Inmates who are housed at the Caroline Unit can't be incarcerated for murder, kidnapping, or a sexual offense. This facility is operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections and can house approximately 140 inmates between the ages of 18 and 64.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting hours at Caroline Correctional Unit are on Saturdays and Sundays. The visiting schedule rotates based on the first letter of the inmate's last name. Contact Caroline Correctional Unit directly for the current visiting schedule. 

Applying for Visitation

You must submit an application and get approval from the Virginia Department of Corrections before visiting an inmate at Caroline Correctional Unit. You can submit a visitation application online.

Minors visitors must have their application attached to an adult application. Complete the online visitation application and then follow the prompts to add a minor. If needed, you can add more than one minor to your application.

If you are not the minor's parent or legal guardian, permission must be documented on a Notarized Statement – Minor Visitor form.

Visitors will receive an email informing them when they are approved to visit or explaining the reason(s) for disapproval. 

What to Bring to a Visit

One form of valid picture identification that matches the information on your application is required to enter the visiting room. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Driver’s License
• Passport
• Military ID
• Other official picture ID issued by a federal or state agency

Visitors will not take any items into the visiting area except the following: 

• Their visitor's pass 
• A maximum of $20.00 in coins (no paper money) per adult visitor
• Personal vehicle key only (“keyless” keys are not authorized) 
• DOC locker key (if applicable) 
• Essential items for infant feeding to include one nursing cover for breastfeeding

All other property should be locked in the visitor's vehicle or a locker in a secure area. All visitors are subject to search by electronic scanning and detection devices, pat-down frisk searches, and contraband detection canines. 

Dress Code

Everyone, including children, must follow the dress code when visiting an inmate at Caroline Correctional Unit.

• Clothing must cover from the neck to the kneecaps. 
• All visitors must wear underwear and foot wear. No bare feet are allowed. 
• Watches and all wearable technology devices (i.e. google glasses) are prohibited.
• Clothing that resembles offender clothing other than denim is prohibited. 
• The following types of clothing are not allowed to be worn: 
  • Tube tops, tank tops, or halter tops 
  • Clothes that expose a person’s midriff, side, or back 
  • Mini-skirts, mini-dresses, shorts, skorts, or culottes (at or above the kneecap)
  • Form-fitting clothes such as leotards, spandex, leggings, and jeggings (Form-fitting clothes worn under clothing that covers from the neck to the kneecaps and otherwise meets the visitor attire requirements is permitted).
  • See-through clothing (Clothing that exposes the visitor’s undergarments, torso, and/ or skin above the knee caps is prohibited) 
  • Tops or dresses that have revealing necklines and/or excessive splits 
  • Clothing that contains symbols or signs with inappropriate language or graphics, including gang symbols, racist comments, inflammatory communications, etc.
  • Coats, jackets, shawls, and scarves will be placed in an appropriate area designated by the facility

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

Programs For Inmates

Adult Basic Education: The ABE program provides instruction in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. Once completed, it leads to adult secondary studies in preparation for High School Equivalency (HSE).

Aggression Alternate Skills – Participants learn how to effectively deal with feelings of anger and apply cognitive self-change and aggression replacement skills to identified problem situations.

Building Opportunities of Knowledge (BOOK) – A tutor-assisted Adult Basic Education (ABE) program for inmates not enrolled due to waiting list or inability to attend. 

Decision Points – This program teaches participants the thinking skills necessary for successful pro-social living. The cognitive-behavioral curriculum is designed to equip participants with alternative ways to examine their thinking and the actions that lead them into trouble. 

High School Equivalency – Adult secondary level instruction ends when offenders pass the GED HSE exam approved by the Virginia Department of Education.

Read to Work – Participants in the Ready to Work program increase their future marketability for employment. They create resumes, conduct job searches, complete job applications, practice interviewing, learn about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, practice dealing with rejection, and learn job retention skills.

Re-entry Money Smart: Making Cents Out Of Your Finances – This video program features guidance from financial and business professionals on topics like: Understanding Your Paycheck, Planning for Rainy Days and Your Future, Managing Your Expenses Online, Borrowing and Paying Your Debts, and Living Within Your Means and Sharing With Others.

Road To Success – This program provides re-entry and transitional services and programming to returning citizens at work centers and field units across the state Virginia.

Special Education – Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that meet the needs of individuals who qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Act.

Substance Abuse 12-step (AA and NA) – The twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.

Thinking for a Change – Inmates learn appropriate social skills, develop their problem-solving strategies, and learn appropriate cognitive restructuring techniques. 

Pictures of Caroline Correctional Unit

Careers at Caroline Correctional Unit

If you are interested in a career with the Virginia Department of Corrections and would like more information about job listings at the Caroline Correctional Unit, click here.