What You Need to Know Before Visiting Your Child at Galveston County Juvenile Detention

You should have a clear visitation schedule within the first couple of days. Galveston County Juvenile Detention makes the schedule available to parents and guardians no later than the second day of detention. Call and ask to speak with the Intake Officer on duty - they're the ones who can give you your child's specific visitation time.

Visits happen in the evening, between 6:15 pm and 7:45 pm. Your exact time slot depends on your child's unit assignment - don't assume you can show up anytime during that window. Confirm the unit-based schedule before you go.

Expect a short visit. Each resident gets thirty (30) minutes total, and only two visitors can be in the visitation area at once. If more than two approved visitors show up, the time gets divided - so coordinate beforehand. Your child shouldn't lose time because of confusion at the door.

Only parents and guardians can visit by default. Siblings and other family members aren't allowed unless the Deputy Director-Detention or the Detention Superintendent grants permission. Want to bring someone else for support? Get that approval lined up first - otherwise you might make the trip and get turned away.

Attorney visits work differently. Your child's lawyer can visit at any time during the detention stay - not just during the evening family visitation window.

Divorced? The parent with legal custody gets first priority to visit. If both parents want to see your child, plan ahead - you don't want a conflict at check-in.

The non-custodial parent may still be able to visit, but it's not guaranteed. The Intake Officer on duty can allow it at their discretion if time permits - especially if that parent arrives later in the window. If you're trying to make sure both parents get time, coordinate your arrival and be ready to split the visit.

What to Bring Prohibited

• ✓ Bring a picture ID (approved visitors must present picture ID prior to entry)
• ✓ Leave bags and purses behind (not allowed into visitation)
• ✓ Leave your cell phone behind (not allowed into visitation)
• ✓ Don’t bring other accessories into visitation

• ✓ No smoking during visitation
• ✓ No eating during visitation
• ✓ Do not deliver contraband during visitation

Want a sibling or someone other than a parent to visit? You'll need approval first. Galveston County Juvenile Detention doesn't allow siblings or other non-guardians to visit unless the Deputy Director-Detention or the Detention Superintendent says yes.

1. Call the facility and ask for the Intake Officer on duty - That’s who you’re instructed to speak with for the visitation schedule and visit-related questions.
2. Explain who you’re requesting to bring - Be clear that the visitor is a sibling or other non-guardian.
3. Ask how to obtain the required approval - Permission must be granted by the Deputy Director-Detention or the Detention Superintendent, so follow the facility’s directions for getting that authorization documented before the visit.

Arrive with time to spare. Match your child's unit-assigned slot within the 6:15 pm–7:45 pm window. Visits are capped at 30 minutes per resident, and only two visitors can be in the area at once. Show up late, and you might get less time - or miss the visit entirely if the window closes.

If something doesn't match what you were told - especially during emergencies - call instead of guessing. Schedules can change during declared emergencies; for assistance, call (409) 770-5900. For questions about your child's unit assignment, ask to speak with the Intake Officer on duty.