Visitors arriving ahead of visiting hours
may wait in the Goodland Hall East Lounge. All visitors are subject to search and MUST
CONSENT TO INSPECTION OF ALL ITEMS IN THEIR POSSESSION. Visitors will be required to
present picture identification. Those who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or
drugs, display disorderly or inappropriate behavior, or do not follow staff instructions
will be denied visiting privileges. If any staff deems a visitor's conduct to be
unsuitable, visits may be terminated. Upon leaving the visiting room, visitors will not be
allowed to return until the next scheduled visiting time.
Alcohol, Drugs and Other Items: It is a
violation of MMHI policy to bring onto Mendota's grounds any intoxicating liquor,
narcotic, or other drug (see #10), any article or instrument which may be dangerous to
patients, staff, or jeopardize the welfare of the Institute or its patients.
Smoking: Mendota Mental Health Institute is
a "Smoke Free" environment.
Number of Visitors: A maximum of four
visitors are allowed at one time unless all of the visitors are the wife and children of
the patient.
Seating Arrangement: Patients and their
visitors will be seated starting from the front of the room to the back. Patients are to
remain in their seats unless given permission to move by the monitor. Raise hands.
Furniture is not to be rearranged.
Physical Contact: Initial and parting kiss
and embrace are allowed; otherwise, only handholding during the visit will be allowed.
Visiting Between Patients: No visiting
between groups is allowed. Visitors may only visit one patient per visit unless prior
arrangements have been made.
Property Allowed in With Visitor: Change
purse, locker key for East End property locker, diaper bag (to be left with monitor), felt
tip pen, games without "sharps," paper without wire.
Property Allowed in With Patient: Papers
(without wire), books, board games, cards, felt tip pens brought from the unit.
Property Prohibitions: Medication for
visitors must be held by the monitor, except when the medication is dispensed (plastic
utensils are recommended). Baby blankets are allowed but must be kept around the baby at
all times and not used by an adult.
Gifts: Visitors wishing to give gifts or
money to patients should first give the item to the escorting staff so that proper
security and inventory control can be maintained. All items that patients wish to send
home with visitors must also be inventoried by appropriate staff.
Bathroom Use: Bathrooms may be used by
patients when two monitors are present. Patient will not be allowed in the bathroom while
anyone else is using it.
Children and Infants: Children under the age
of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Minors may be denied visits per
treatment plans or court orders. Children may take one toy from the play area to play with
during the visit. Parents are asked to see that the toys are returned at the end of the
visit. Parents are to supervise their children during the visit. Infant diapers are to be
changed in a separate area in the visiting area and the soiled ones are to be disposed of.
No patient is to be involved in changing diapers.
