Visiting With Children at Hampden County Jail: IDs, Consent Forms & Baby Bottle Rules

Know the minor rules before you go. Kids 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or another authorized adult. You'll also need to bring the child's original birth certificate - staff will check it at the visit.

Things get stricter when someone other than a parent brings the child. In that case, the accompanying adult needs a notarized Parental Consent document. The form must include an expiration date and the incarcerated person's name - both are specifically required.

At the Main Institution, visits are capped at three visitors per inmate during scheduled appointment times. Plan your group carefully - you can't swap people in or out once the visit starts. Children count toward this limit, so do your headcount before you arrive.

Bringing a baby? Note the bottle rule: baby bottles must be plastic. Glass isn't allowed inside.

Practical Packing and Supervision Tips

• ✓ Minor’s original birth certificate
• ✓ Notarized Parental Consent document (if the minor is visiting without their parent and is with another adult), including an expiration date and the inmate’s name
• ✓ Plastic baby bottle(s) only (leave glass bottles at home)
• ✓ A plan to call ahead if you’re unsure whether your situation needs additional authorization or documentation

1. Confirm your visit appointment - make sure you’re going during a scheduled appointment time.
2. Count your visitors (include children) - no more than three visitors per inmate are allowed, and you won’t be able to swap people in or out during the visit.
3. Match the paperwork to who is accompanying the child - for minors 17 and under, the accompanying adult must bring the minor’s original birth certificate; if the minor is visiting without their parent and is with another adult, bring a notarized Parental Consent document with an expiration date and the inmate’s name.
4. Plan to supervise kids the entire time - the accompanying adult is responsible for the minor during the visit, so keep everyone close and focused on the visit rules.

Quick Faq and Reminders

• ✓ How many people can visit at once? Up to three visitors per inmate during scheduled appointment times, and you can’t swap visitors during the visit.
• ✓ Can a minor visit alone? No. Minors 17 and under must be with a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult, and the adult must present the minor’s original birth certificate.
• ✓ What if the child’s parent isn’t coming? The accompanying adult must bring a notarized Parental Consent document that includes an expiration date and the inmate’s name.
• ✓ Can I bring a baby bottle? Yes, but it must be plastic - no glass bottles.