Before You Go To Visit
a checklist to help keep it together     ( you'll thank me later )

Check your horoscope and the driving conditions below :
 
 
 

Then print out the checklist - get your stuff together and go make someone happy

1.)  make sure your car has gas and water

2.) you have a map that shows the prison,
and your copy of the prisons address + telephone #

3.) extra clothing and shoes

4.) a name and address of a nearby motel -
in case you're exhausted or decide to stay and
visit the next day

5.) money in the proper denominations (if allowed)
for vending machines or photos

6.) proper, valid identification - drivers license,
birth certificates for children, marriage certificate
visitor approval form

7.) a carrying bag for the money, id and other items allowed in ( usually a small, single compartment - clear/opaque pouch is accepted ) but you should know this from your call to visiting !

                                                                                                                                                                                *  8.) diaper bag, with the allowed amount of pre-prepared bottles
diapers and a few wipes in a little zip lock bag.
{ I used to use a  gal. sized freezer storage bag for the whole thing }

9.) a good attitude ! get a good nights sleep, don't expect too much or try too hard and be prepared to do some waiting.
 
 

top of page
HOME

Other Things To Keep In Mind
this you will want to remember

1.) you will probably be required to remove your shoes and coat,
so have clean socks on ! and don't leave anything in  your pockets - coat or other clothes that could send you back to your car and having to wait all over again.

2.) there is also the metal detector, excessive jewelry is a bummer,
having to remove it all, then trying to keep track of it makes it a nuisance  ( I almost lost my wedding ring once - I had to remove several rings and a nose ring and a couple necklaces, finally got  through the detector and didn't get all my belongings up off the counter, I tried so hard  to keep my husband from seeing it wasn't there - FAILED !  fortunately an officer at the front desk had found it  )

3.) once you actually get to the prison visiting office you might still
have to wait for some time to catch a bus to the designated visiting areas inside the prison. use the rest room while you can, ask if photos are available , the cost and if you need a ducat for the photos and look for a change machine and get it while you can

4.) inside the visiting facility there is a desk where the officers take your pass, sometimes  they also have games or cards, you should get
it then if you think you might want them or if there are children with you. a bored child can make things very uncomfortable. also look around to see if there are cribs or fenced in play areas, some places have them, some do not and when you call it's not guaranteed the officer you speak to will know either.

5.) no matter how badly you want to cuddle, hug & kiss - DO NOT SCREW UP YOUR VISIT BY BEING TOO AFFECTIONATE !!!
yep. it sucks, but rules are rules and this is one I have seen enforced too many times. your visit will be terminated right then and there and you risk losing visiting privileges. and that is what it is, a privelege.
my experience is this: one embrace and kiss at the beginning of the visit, hand holding is allowed during and another brief kiss and hug and the close of visiting. and because of where you happen to be realize -
a lot of institutions frown on children sitting on laps too.
( no further comment )
 

I hope I have  been of some help to you and wish you and yours all the best.

 
knowing you're loved and have support can make a world of difference to  someone locked up,

So, try to keep your sense of humor,
don't expect too much or try too hard
you'll be the best looking and smelling person who ever walked the earth in their eyes regardless
 
 
 

e-mail me, The Prisoners Wife

go see poetry and art by inmates

home