The opening of a new family waiting room at the Allegheny County Jail has been delayed until the fall.

Warden Ramon Rustin told the Jail Oversight Board yesterday that county workers will build the area in the lobby of the jail. The board approved using $35,000 from the inmate trust fund to buy materials for the project.

The jail had expected to open the new area last month, but there were delays in finishing the design, the warden said.

The family room will provide an area for visitors with children to wait until it is time for their visit with an inmate.

It will feature video and reading nooks, a mock visiting booth and information on family services available in the community.

The idea for a family room came out of a study last year by the Pittsburgh Child Guidance Foundation, which will join with other foundations to provide staffing and other materials for the room.

"This has really taken off and is really a good partnership between government and the foundations," the warden said.

"If we don't take care of these kids now and give them some help, they will become the inmates of the future."