Bringing kids to visit Eastern Regional Jail: the notarized Juvenile Visitation Form explained

At Eastern Regional Jail, minor children can’t visit on their own. A child must be with a parent, a legal guardian, or another adult member of the child’s immediate family while on facility grounds for the visit.

The notarized Juvenile Visitation Form is required when the adult bringing the child is immediate family but not the child's parent or legal guardian. In that case, the accompanying adult needs a notarized form signed by the non-incarcerated parent or legal guardian giving permission for the child to be in that adult's care during the visit.

The form is clear:

Once you turn in the form, it becomes part of the facility's records. The original goes into the inmate's file, and a copy is placed in the Juvenile Visitation file. Since the facility keeps both versions, make your own copy - you may need to show proof of permission again later.

Even with an approved background check, the Superintendent can still deny a juvenile visit. Think of approval as a necessary step, not a guarantee. Confirm with the facility before making plans, and handle scheduling and background-check approval directly with the location where the person is housed.

Practical Steps Checklist

• ✓ Use a separate notarized Juvenile Visitation Form for each child (the form says “ONE (1) FORM PER CHILD”).
• ✓ If the child will be accompanied by an adult immediate family member who is not the parent or legal guardian, make sure that adult has the notarized Juvenile Visitation Form signed by the non-incarcerated parent or legal guardian.
• ✓ Plan your copies: the original goes to the inmate’s file and one copy goes into the Juvenile Visitation file - keep an extra copy for yourself.
• ✓ Call at least one day in advance to schedule the visit.
• ✓ Use the Eastern Regional Jail visitation numbers: 304-267-0045 or 304-267-0048.

If you're submitting visiting requests through the WV Division of Corrections & Rehabilitation Bureau of Juvenile Services, you can mail forms to: WV Division of Corrections & Rehabilitation Bureau of Juvenile Services, Attn: Visitors Request, 1409 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV 25311. You can also reach them by phone at 304-558-2036 or fax at 304-558-6032.