For all the rules and regs on visitation, you can contact the ombusdman office. Their email address and phone numbers are listed on the tdcj website. Basic info is this: Only 2 adult visitors allowed at a time. I think as long as the children are under the age of 16, there shouldn't be a problem with taking them even if there are 2 adults. Over the age of 16 will have to be listed on the visitors list and have a valid picture ID. You can take coins for the snack machines but no paper money is allowed. Also, no cell phones or weapons. You can expect your car to be checked at the gate. They will look inside the car, under the hood, and in the trunk. They do not go through your car with a fine tooth comb but you may have it cleaned of excess items before going to visit. Your clothing has to have at least short sleeves, nothing very low cut, and nothing above the knee. It is allowed to take your car keys in but I would try to keep the key chain to a minimum. Also, to carry coins inside, try to find a clear container of some kind as they can better see the contents. When you enter the unit, you will be swept with a hand held metal detector. They record the make, model, year, color, and license plate of your car. These are just some basic rules and could vary slightly from unit to unit. Be sure to check the rules at the unit you are going to visit as well as the general state rule book. An example of a varience in rules: From some units you will be allowed to take the snacks and drinks outside the unit while at others, you are required to throw everything away, opened or not. The inmate is not allowed to take anything back inside with him.
I hope this has helped.
My boyfriend is located at TR Havins Unit in Brownwood. It was formerly a state jail and was transformed in to an IPTC community in November 2007.