Bringing a Child to Visit an Inmate at Ventura County Jail: What You Need to Know

Minor children can't visit Ventura County Jail on their own. They must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Here's the catch: only two people can visit at a time - either two adults, or one adult and one minor child. Plan your group before you arrive.

If you bring a child, you’re responsible for supervising them the entire time you’re on jail grounds. Ventura County Jail does not allow minors to be left unattended anywhere on the property. Also expect normal entry screening: everyone who enters the facility is subject to a search of their person and property. That’s another reason to keep kids close and keep what you carry simple.

• ✓ Keep your child with you at all times while you’re on jail grounds
• ✓ Don’t leave a minor unattended in any waiting area
• ✓ Don’t leave a minor unattended in a vehicle while you go inside

If an in-person visit doesn't work well with kids, video visitation might be easier. For remote (off-site) video visits, anyone under 18 must be listed as an additional visitor and supervised by an authorized adult the entire time. Ventura County offers video visitation at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and Todd Road Detention Facility daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. That wider window makes it easier to schedule around school, naps, or bedtime.

1. Add the minor as an additional visitor - for remote (off-site) video visits, visitors under 18 must be listed as an additional visitor.
2. Have an authorized adult present the whole time - the minor must be accompanied and supervised by an authorized adult at all times during the visit.
3. Pick a time within the video visitation window - video visitation at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and the Todd Road Detention Facility runs daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bring photo ID for the adult accompanying the child. Ventura County Jail requires photo identification for all visitors - have it ready at check-in.

Set expectations with your child before you go. Incarcerated persons are allowed two visits per week, and each visit lasts up to 30 minutes. Only two visitors can go in at a time - either two adults, or one adult and one minor child. If multiple family members want to visit, you'll need to take turns.

Not sure what documents prove you're the child's parent, grandparent, or legal guardian? Figure it out before you make the trip. Ventura County Jail may ask for evidence of parental rights or guardianship when a minor visits. Even with paperwork in hand, know that the Facility Sergeant makes the final call on whether a minor can visit. Planning ahead gives you the best shot at avoiding a wasted drive and a disappointed kid.