Bringing Children to Visit: age rules, supervision, and what to expect

At Santa Barbara County Jail, visitors must be 18 years or older. If you're planning to bring a teen or younger child, they can still come, but the rules around who accompanies them matter.

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The adult needs to stay with the child the entire time, from check-in through the visit itself and while on facility grounds.

Only two visitors (including children) may visit an inmate at one time. A child counts as one of those two, so a "two adults plus a child" plan will get you turned away. If more family members want to visit, you'll need to take turns rather than trying to bring everyone at once.

Baby Items Allowed Prohibited

• ✓ One baby blanket
• ✓ One baby bottle

• ✓ Diaper bags
• ✓ Infant carriers
• ✓ Strollers

Children may not be left unattended on facility premises at any time. That means no child waiting alone outside, in the lobby, or anywhere else on the property while you check in or complete a visit. If you're the only adult bringing a child, plan on keeping them with you the entire time you're on-site.

1. Pick your two visitors ahead of time - Only two visitors total can be in at once, and children count toward the limit.
2. Make sure minors have the right adult with them - Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
3. Pack light with baby items - In the visiting area, a diaper bag, infant carrier, and stroller are not allowed. One baby blanket and one baby bottle are allowed.
4. Plan supervision for the whole time you are on-site - Children cannot be left unattended anywhere on the premises or in a parked vehicle. If you need an extra adult, coordinate outside childcare or rotate visitors so a caregiver stays with the child at all times.