Bringing Children to Visit at Bedford Hills: Ages, Lap Rules, and Escorts
Bringing kids to a prison visit can feel like a lot to juggle—especially the first time. Here are the Bedford Hills rules families ask about most: how many people can come, when you can arrive, and what “escort” means for minors.
At Bedford Hills, each visit can include up to three visitors, plus one child under age five. That extra child under five must sit on an adult’s lap during the visit, so plan your seating and who’s holding the little one before you head in.
Visiting at Bedford Hills is offered on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Hours run from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and the latest arrival time is 3:00 PM - so if you’re coming with kids, give yourself extra cushion for parking, check-in, and any last-minute needs before you get in line.
If you’re bringing anyone under 18, they must be escorted by an adult. At Bedford Hills (and DOCCS facilities generally), that escort needs to be either an adult who’s approved to visit, or an adult acting in an official capacity who has proper identification and has approval from the Superintendent (or the Superintendent’s designee). If you’re unsure whether your situation counts as an “official capacity,” it’s worth confirming before the visit so you don’t make the trip and get turned away.
Note: The adult escort is responsible for the minor’s behavior while on facility property and for providing the minor’s identification. Visiting rules are enforced - violations can lead to prosecution and/or loss of visiting privileges, and first-time visitors may be asked to sign a statement agreeing to follow the rules.
If you’re a first-time visitor and you’re not on the incarcerated person’s approved Visitor Registration List, you still may be allowed to visit. The key conditions are straightforward: you must present proper identification, the incarcerated individual must agree to the visit, and you’ll be required to sign a statement confirming you’ve been advised of the visiting rules and will follow them. This can be a helpful option for families trying to coordinate a child’s visit with a new adult escort or caregiver.
Some DOCCS facilities use Visitor Hospitality Centers to help families prepare before entering, and special arrangements may be possible for certain group situations involving children. If you’re trying to coordinate something outside a typical family visit - like a larger group of kids - your best move is to contact the facility ahead of time and ask what can be approved.
Practical Tips ID Packing Behavior
- ✓ Birth certificate
- ✓ Baptismal certificate
If you’re visiting with a baby or young child, plan to use the DOCCS Visitor Hospitality Center before you go inside. These centers are set up to give families a place to pause and get organized, with restrooms, a baby changing station, lockers for storing personal belongings, and visitor information about rules and regulations. Arriving early makes this much less stressful - especially if you need a diaper change, a bathroom break, or a place to lock up items you can’t bring in.
Reminder: If you’re the adult escort, staff will hold you responsible for the child’s behavior while you’re on facility property. Rule violations can lead to prosecution and/or loss of visiting privileges.
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