Bringing Children to Visit: Worcester County Jail's Rules for Minors

Worcester County Jail allows children (under 17) to visit an inmate without prior permission, as long as they're accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The facility also uses wording that minors age 16 or younger need a parent or legal guardian present. Either way, if you're bringing a minor, the parent or legal guardian must attend. You'll need to prove the relationship at the door. Bring the child's birth certificate and any legal documentation confirming the relationship, and be ready to present it to the Control Officer. The birth certificate must be an original copy that includes the parent's name and the proper seal. If you're a legal guardian (not a parent), bring court documents showing custody.

When you arrive, you'll sign in and complete a "Request to Visit Inmate Form." You also need to show a current photo ID (a driver's license or passport, for example). No acceptable photo ID? The jail may deny the visit. At check-in, you're expected to disclose any articles you're carrying other than clothing, including personal effects or medication. Build a little extra time into your plan so you can handle paperwork without feeling rushed.

The jail's visitation materials say "under 17" in one place and "16 years of age or under" in another. In practice, both mean the same thing: minors must come in with their parent or legal guardian. If you're unsure which wording applies to your situation, play it safe. Treat any minor visitor as needing a parent or legal guardian present, along with the documentation proving the relationship.

There's no set limit on how many children you can bring, but you need to be able to supervise all of them. Kids are your responsibility during the visit. If children are disruptive or roaming the visiting room unattended, the visit can be terminated. Also keep the adult limit in mind. Worcester County Jail allows a maximum of two adults to visit an inmate at the same time during any visiting period. If more than two adults are traveling with the children, decide ahead of time who the two visiting adults will be.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Your current photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• ✓ Each child’s original birth certificate (with the parent’s name and proper seal)
• ✓ Court custody/guardianship paperwork (if you are the legal guardian)
• ✓ Plan to sign in and complete the “Request to Visit Inmate Form” when you arrive

Before heading in, secure your personal belongings. The facility has coin-operated lockers in the Visitors' Lobby for this purpose. The Sheriff's Office is not responsible for lost or stolen articles, so keep anything valuable locked up or leave it out of the building entirely.

Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. Between parking, securing your items, signing in, and screening, check-in takes longer than you'd expect, especially with kids in tow. Be prepared for overcrowding, too. If the jail needs to end visits early due to overcrowding, visitors are generally allowed one 30-minute visit before being asked to leave. Any exceptions require approval from the Superintendent (or designee).

1. Park in the facility parking lot and lock your vehicle. Visitors are not allowed to park elsewhere, and vehicles parked elsewhere may be towed at the owner’s expense.
2. Be ready for a vehicle search if staff request it. Any visitor must permit a search of their vehicle at any time upon request by correctional staff.
3. Go through screening before entering the visiting area. All visitors must successfully pass through the metal detectors.