Children visiting a prison or detention centre

The Department of Justice recognises that family visits play an important part in rehabilitation.
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Children of all ages are able to attend visiting sessions, as long as there are not any restrictions or intervention orders preventing them to visit the offender.

Parents, guardians and caregivers should think carefully about whether it is best for the child to visit prison.

  • Is the child visiting someone who is important to them?
  • Will the visit help the child maintain their relationship with that person?
  • How will the child benefit from the visit?
  • Is there a good reason for the visit from the child’s point of view?
  • Are there other ways the child could have contact that might be better for them? (Would they rather send a letter or a picture, or have a phone call?)

Planning a visit

The days and times children can visit a prison or detention centre is different for each location.

For location specific information when visiting a corrections facility with children click below:

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