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Public detention centers, which house the majority of the 50,000 detained juveniles in the United States, are publicly funded and cost approximately $400 per day per youth. Although most youth stay in detention facilities for less than one year, the majority recidivate within three years, leading to a large financial burden through lost wages and detention housing costs. Some researchers argue that a strong family support system can help juveniles overcome the obstacles of re-entry, thereby lessening their recidivism rates. Using the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement (SYRP) I find that family visitation is significantly associated with lower recidivism expectations and higher job expectations. Given that family visitation requires increased security measures and staff presence, facilities will have to weigh the benefits of visitation documented here against the relevant costs as they set their policies.