Who Can Visit a Youth in Miami‑Dade Juvenile Detention — who’s automatically approved and how to request approval

Under Florida DJJ visitation policy, parents are approved visitors. You don't need to apply - but you still have to follow the facility's check-in rules when you arrive.

Grandparents are approved visitors under DJJ policy too. The key is making sure staff can verify who you are and your relationship to the youth when you check in.

Legal guardians are also approved. If you're the guardian rather than the parent, be ready to show documentation confirming guardianship at check-in.

Not the youth's parent, grandparent, or legal guardian? Don't assume you're cleared. Under DJJ policy, other visitors may only be allowed if a court orders the visit or the facility Superintendent (or designee) specifically approves it.

Start with the youth's assigned Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO). DJJ directs families to contact the JPO for visitation list additions and special arrangements. Trying to add an aunt, sibling, family friend, or mentor? The JPO is the person to ask.

1. Contact the youth’s assigned JPO - ask whether you’re already approved to visit and, if not, what’s needed to add you or set up a special arrangement.
2. Request the right type of authorization - if you’re not a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian, approval generally comes through a court order or specific approval from the Superintendent (or designee).
3. Provide documentation promptly - if your approval depends on a court order or other paperwork, share it the way the JPO instructs so it can be reviewed and recorded.

Professional Visits

• ✓ Legal counsel
• ✓ Probation
• ✓ Law enforcement
• ✓ Clergy
• ✓ Other professionals (as necessary)

Some professional visits can happen outside regular visitation hours when necessary - but they're not walk-in, no-rules affairs. Professionals still sign in, follow contraband rules, and go through normal entry screening. That means showing photo ID and completing the sign-in/sign-out process like everyone else.

1. Start with the assigned JPO - ask if you’re on the youth’s approved visitation list and whether any special approval is required.
2. Ask what proof you should bring - confirm what identification and relationship/guardianship documents (if any) you’ll need to show at the facility.
3. Request clear confirmation - if you’re being added or approved as a special visitor, ask for confirmation you can keep for your records.

Have questions about facility procedure - what to do when you arrive, how check-in works, what staff will accept at the door? If the JPO can't help, DJJ's guidance is to contact the on-duty JJDO Supervisor. They can walk you through what the facility expects.

What to Have Ready

• ✓ A valid photo ID (visitors can be denied entry without proper photo identification)
• ✓ Your relationship to the youth (parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or other)
• ✓ Proof of legal guardianship, if you’re visiting as the guardian
• ✓ Readiness to sign in and sign out on the youth’s Visitor’s Log

If your visit depends on special approval, keep your paperwork organized. Bring any court order authorizing visitation and any written confirmation from the JPO or Superintendent. Even with approval, you'll still need to show photo ID and complete the Visitor's Log sign-in/sign-out each time.