How to Visit a Child in Juvenile Detention

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:VisitChildJuvenileDetention
Post By :
Anonymous
Rate:
Vote

How to Visit a Child in Juvenile Detention

Introduction

As a parent or guardian, you are entitled to visit your child if he or she is placed in juvenile detention. Follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Keep a cool head during your visit. Your child will likely be frightened and anxious and looking to you for calm support.
2

Step Two

Speak with detention workers at the facility where your child is being held. They will be able to give you a clear idea of the terms of your child's detention.
3

Step Three

Bring identification with you. You will most likely need to show a driver's license or other official photo ID before entering the visiting area.
4

Step Four

Do not give food, supplies or other gifts directly to the child. Most juvenile detention centers have strict rules regarding items children are allowed to have. You are often allowed to bring books and homework materials, but in most cases these must be handed over the visitation officer first.
5

Step Five

Check with the juvenile detention center to find out its visiting hours. Most centers have set times of week when people are allowed to visit. Maximum security areas of the center may have reduced visiting hours.
6

Step Six

Call the center to make a visiting appointment before showing up. Some centers may not admit you if you have not made arrangements to visit at least 24 hours in advance.
7

Step Seven

Expect to stay only a short while. Many juvenile detention centers have a one-hour limit on visiting.
8

Step Eight

Contact an attorney to help your child cope with an upcoming trial. You may hire a private attorney or choose to work with a no-cost public defender.
9

Step Nine

Learn more about the rights of juveniles. Contact the American Civil Liberties Union (see Resources below).

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Be aware of the rights of people placed in juvenile detention. The law states that juveniles may not be held within view or hearing of adult detainees.
  • Know your child's Miranda rights. Everyone taken into police custody must be notified of his or her Fifth Amendment rights, including those to remain silent and to seek the services of an attorney. If a detainee is not informed of these rights, statements and confessions made in custody are considered invalid and may not be used in his or her trial.
  • If your child is placed in custody, he or she typically has the right to make two phone calls no more than one hour after arrest. A completed call must be placed to the child's parent, guardian or employer. Another call may be placed to an attorney.
  • Understand your child's troubles with the justice system may cost you. You may have to pay court fines and fees. You may also have to pay legal fees, should you hire a private attorney to represent your child.
  • Many juvenile detention centers allow visits from parents, legal guardians, grandparents, attorneys and clergy only.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Computer with Internet access
Tools: |