How To Prepare For A Prison Visit
7 Musts Before Visiting Your Loved One
Getting a visit in prison is one of the most significant blessings an incarcerated person can receive. When someone I love chooses to take time out of their life to drive to my unit, spend their time off, and endure metal detectors and razor wire to sit with me for a few short hours makes me remember how incredibly loved I truly am. Prison visitation can also spike anxiety for both the visitor and the person being visited. I have had visits where I feel the need to talk quickly to make sure everything can be said, I've also had visits when the conversation lulls and we both feel lost for words. Sometimes tears flow, sometimes laughter carries, but every visit is special. Regardless of who you are visiting there are a few things you can do to help make the visitation process easier on all parties. Here are seven recommendations for your prison visits. Before you visit your incarcerated loved one:
1. Check the dress code.
Prisons will have rules on what clothing is appropriate for the unit. Some units require visitors to wear closed toed shoes, some will not allow shorts to be worn by adults. Rules can vary so be sure your preplanned outfit fits within the guidelines of your loved ones facility before you head out to visit.
2. Clean out your car.
There is a high chance your vehicle will be searched. Do not have anything in your car that will raised concern by prison staff. Take it out before you visit.
3. Brings some quarters...like $20 worth.
Your loved one wants to see you, but most prison units have vending machines full of snacks your loved one will be eager to taste. We don't have access to 90% of what is in those machines so we want it! I recommend you buy a LOT of junk food and a couple of sodas for your loved one so they have options and you don't have to go back and forth. Overdo it on snacks. Trust me!
4. Prepare some conversation topics.
Sometimes your loved one will feel nervous and need you to guide the conversation. Seeing a person in free world clothes is abnormal for us, so be prepared with a few stories to share and some conversation topics to discuss that are not prison related.
5. Plan to arrive early-ish.
If your visit is scheduled for a specific time, arrive early because the unit will have security procedures for vehicles, check in, searches, and there most certainly will be a line of other visitors coming to the unit. However, arriving excessively early can disrupt the visitation schedule so use wisdom.
6. Use the restroom.
The restrooms inside the prison are not always the best. They will be clean, but there are usually not many toilets and they may be stainless steel, so I highly recommend using the restroom before coming in.
7. Pray, pray, pray.
Prayer works. Before you get out of your car pray for your loved one and your time. When your visit starts, pray with your loved one if they are comfortable with it. Before you leave, pray for your loved one. Prayer works. It releases our faith that God is in control and we trust in Him. Pray, pray, pray.
Visitation is a blessing, but as mentioned before, it can be an emotionally charged time. Remember that you showing up means more than what you're wearing or how much food you buy during the visit. Thank you for loving us and showing it through your words, actions, financial support, and prayers. You make our time so much better. Thank you for declaring, "I Choose Hope!" I'd love to hear other tips you have for visitation. Feel free to add here or message me directly through the Securus App.
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