Children in custody
Visiting children in custody
You must arrange your visit first. Contact the secure centre to find out what you need to do.
Who can visit
Family members and friends can ask to visit. If you’re under 18 you have to be accompanied by an adult.
People whose job it is to support the child, like a social worker or legal adviser, can visit them at any time.
When you can visit
Each centre will have specific times for visiting. They will tell you when these are, and you will not be allowed to visit outside of these times.
How often you can visit
Usually, you can visit a child once a week if you are a family member or friend, but this can vary.
How many people can visit
Generally, 3 people are allowed at one time. If you want to bring more people, you will need to get permission first.
Getting help with travel costs
Family members can sometimes get help with the costs of visiting, such as train tickets or petrol.
There are different rules for claiming money back depending on where you visit.
Travel claims for visiting a young offender institution (YOI)
Contact HM Prison and Probation Service to claim for a visit to a YOI.
HM Prison and Probation Service
Telephone: 0300 063 2100
Monday to Friday, 10:15am to 11:45am and 2:15pm to 3:45pm
Find out about call charges
Travel claims for visiting a secure children’s home
Contact the child’s youth justice service to claim for a visit to a secure children’s home.
The document ‘AVS1 - Assisted visits scheme information for relatives’ will give you information on this. You need to complete form AVS2.
Travel claims for visiting Oakhill Secure Training Centre (STC)
Call Oakhill STC and ask for the STC monitor - they’ll tell you how to make a claim and what it covers.
Oakhill STC
Telephone: 01908 866 021
Find out about call charges
You may be able to get help claiming the cost of a train journey before you travel. You can also claim back the cost of your travel after your visit.
You could get help with registered childminder costs if you have young children.
If the child is on remand
Contact the child’s youth justice service, who can organise a visit.
You cannot get help with your travel costs if the child you’re visiting is on remand.