Bringing Children to Visit at Allegheny County Jail: Who Can Accompany Them and What to Bring

Any child under 18 must come with the right adult. Allegheny County Jail requires minors to be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian.

Expect to prove your relationship when you arrive. Bring documentation - like the child's birth certificate - that shows you're the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Staff will check it at the front desk.

Documents

• ✓ Adult visitor’s identification (you’ll show it to visitation officers in the visitation lobby before the visit is approved)
• ✓ Evidence of guardianship/relationship for the child, such as a birth certificate

1. Get registered as an approved visitor - Register in person at the jail or call 412-350-2413, 412-350-2035, or 412-350-2036.
2. Wait for approval - Scheduling comes after you’re approved, so don’t assume you’re cleared until you’ve completed the registration step.
3. Schedule the visit - Once approved, schedule online or call 855-208-7349.
4. Schedule at least 48 hours ahead - Allegheny County Jail requires visits to be set up no less than 48 hours in advance.
5. Check in early - You must be checked in no later than 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time.

Handle registration before you leave home. Call 412-350-2413, 412-350-2035, or 412-350-2036 to register, then schedule your visit at 855-208-7349 once you're approved. Confirm everything ahead of time - last-minute surprises are especially rough when you've got kids in tow.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Bring evidence of guardianship/relationship for the child (such as a birth certificate)
• ✓ Bring your adult identification to show in the visitation lobby
• ✓ Schedule the visit at least 48 hours in advance
• ✓ Arrive with enough time to be checked in no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled visit