What if I have a criminal record and the inmate is my child, can I still visit?

There's a good chance you will be allowed to visit unless you have been convicted of certain crimes...

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What if I have a criminal record and the inmate is my child, can I still visit?


Most jails, prisons and detention centers make allowances for immediate family, specifically if your child is the one who is incarcerated, but It does depend on the crime(s) you have been convicted of. 

 

If you have a history of violence, criminal sexual behaviors, or if you have posed a known risk to your child in the past, you may not be granted visitation rights.

 

It is important that you document all efforts you make to to have a positive relationship with your child and support your child's wellbeing while you negotiate visitation or try to appeal a visitation decision that's been made. This document (although written for an incarcerated parent) has some excellent suggestions for "making a record":

Parental rights 

 

To find out how to visit someone you know, begin your search for an inmate or arrestee here:

To find your jail or prison visitation policies, begin by finding the facility or prison systemhere: