Hello all,

Just wanted you all to know that my son's father sent us the form to fill out, so that we can be approved to visit him. I didn't plan on taking my son to "prison" for visitation, but after careful thought it's probably for my son's best interest. A few questions: how long will it take to be approved? what do they offer there for children to play with?? what can i bring for my 4yr. old son to keep him occupied w/ his father?? also, i haven't decided whether to drive (10hrs.) or fly...any advice??

thanks a whole lot ;)

The approval could take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months...it is truly impossible to say... if you have any criminal history, save yourself some time and enclose proof of disposition with your application.
You can't fly into Susanville, and the nearest airports are Reno and Redding....both several hours drive from Susanville. It would be cheaper to just go ahead and drive, but if the cost doesn't bother you, I would fly into Reno and rent a car there.
What yard is your son's dad on?
I only know about B yard, but they have a decent collection of toys and games suitable for that age group (It's adorable to watch a big, bad, tattooed convict playing Candyland...sincerely) and you can bring a couple of "inspectable" toys, smaller than 12x12 inches, no plush toys, no books.
When you send in that 106, enclose a letter asking that the Visiting Sargeant send you the current visiting rules...I lost my copy and it is really nice to have the paper copy handy!
The dress code applies to children, so make sure your son is not wearing white or blue clothing when you visit....
Uhm, let's see...what else....I'll get back to ya on that!

Hello all,

Just wanted you all to know that my son's father sent us the form to fill out, so that we can be approved to visit him. I didn't plan on taking my son to "prison" for visitation, but after careful thought it's probably for my son's best interest. A few questions: how long will it take to be approved? what do they offer there for children to play with?? what can i bring for my 4yr. old son to keep him occupied w/ his father?? also, i haven't decided whether to drive (10hrs.) or fly...any advice??

thanks a whole lot ;)

Chrsdan
I had to make the same determination you did with my 3yr old. I didn't plan on taking him to a prison either, but the more time passed by and my son missing his father, I am left with no choice. Plus I am military and we will be leaving to go to a new base before his release. It took 9weeks for my approval without a criminal background and I have a TOPSECRET military clearance. So I am assuming that it is just a backlog or something. I will be driving from Ventura County which is a 10 hour drive. I found it to be cost effective, my son can watch his portable DVD player when he isn't sleep. I plan on driving like midnight on a Friday to get there Saturday morning, plus my son could be sleep in the car during the drive.

Ladies...Please keep in mind when planning the drive that each route into Susanville is VERY windy and slow...allow some wiggle room in your schedule because these roads will not allow you to be in a rush, and clear into the middle of May, ice is a possibility in the foothills. Please do not strap yourself for time.
Also, processing at HDSP starts at 8 am and ends at 10:30, if you aren't processed by 10:30 and visiting is crowded, you will not be processed...I strongly recommend being at the prison no later than 9am, I myself am on the grounds at 6:30 and in line as soon as permitted.

Ladies...Please keep in mind when planning the drive that each route into Susanville is VERY windy and slow...allow some wiggle room in your schedule because these roads will not allow you to be in a rush, and clear into the middle of May, ice is a possibility in the foothills. Please do not strap yourself for time.
Also, processing at HDSP starts at 8 am and ends at 10:30, if you aren't processed by 10:30 and visiting is crowded, you will not be processed...I strongly recommend being at the prison no later than 9am, I myself am on the grounds at 6:30 and in line as soon as permitted.

Good point LeBeau. You should add this info to the Susanville Transportation (http://prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187770) thread. :thumbsup:

Laura, William's Baby:heart:

Ladies...Please keep in mind when planning the drive that each route into Susanville is VERY windy and slow...allow some wiggle room in your schedule because these roads will not allow you to be in a rush, and clear into the middle of May, ice is a possibility in the foothills. Please do not strap yourself for time.
Also, processing at HDSP starts at 8 am and ends at 10:30, if you aren't processed by 10:30 and visiting is crowded, you will not be processed...I strongly recommend being at the prison no later than 9am, I myself am on the grounds at 6:30 and in line as soon as permitted.
Thanks LeBeau
I guess I will leave earlier than midnight to be on the safe side. Also thanks for the TIP on the weather being bad till mid May.

Chrsdan,

My son liked action figures at that age, they meet the size limit and don't have any hidden pockets etc..

I don't know what yard your son's dad is on, but at the room for Cascade there is a decent amount of age appropriate games, cards (can play snap, go fish) just check them out when you get there! Also there are coloring books and crayons, childrens books and a TV area with videos.

My son has visited his father regularly and it has gone well.

Thanks to you all for the advice & input with my son's new adventure. I want to try & make this somewhat "fun' for my son, so that he won't see his dad as a bad person, but a person who made bad choices & now has to live at 'camp' for a while. He's 4yrs. & he has n't seend his dad for a long while now, but recently he's been asking about him & wanting him physically there w/ us. I'm looking to drive there in May, maybe June so the weather will definitely be on our side. the drive shouldn't be that bad, as long as I rent a car, have my cellphone, AAA, & my son has a portable DVD player. I would be able to bring his Power Ranger figurines you think?? Also, do I need to stay there w/ my son 7 his dad or can I go somehwere else while they visit??

You'll have to stay...children must be accompanied throughout the visit, but you can probably sit at a nearby table and play solitaire or over by the TV...ask the COs when you get into the Visiting Room, it's their call.