First I want to thank everyone who helped me out with info on the visiting there, it helped out ALOT! I went alone and it was kinda intimidating because I didn't know what to expect. I made my appointment for saturday @ 9am. so I got there at about 8. The line of cars outside the prison wasnt too bad, it was the CO's coming in that slowed us down. I got in at 8:30and waited 15 minutes before an officer came out to take our papers and send us to the visiting building. Since I had an appointment ;) I got to bypass that line outside the prison and I went on in. I was in the first group of people to go in and it was behing glass for a little over an hour i beleive. I have to say the CO's were very respectful, they talked to you like you were a person and they helped with all of my questions. I was unable to go back on sunday because they had no open appointments, but the total overall experiance was cool. I enjoyed my visit with my husband. It was nothing like county jail. I just cant wait to get my first contact visit. Its been 2 years 3 months since i last touched my husband, hopefully that will be before christmas. thanks to everyone who helped me out again. I will be going back this weekend if he is not transferred to the mainline.:D

Congrats Mrs. Carpenter. My son was transferred to Centinela before my approval came through and now I have to start all over. But I'm glad to hear that you got to see your husband.

Thanks so much Mama, I hope your approval comes fast and u have a very nice first visit with your son.

Hello to all of you wonderful people! My son has been in reception at Lancaster for almost 6 weeks now. I've tried the last 3 Fridays to schedule a visit. I call right at 8am and by about 9:30, I'm told the visiting schedule is already filled for the weekend. Should I begin calling before 8am? I want to see son badly. Would anyone know how long inmates are usually held in reception? He's is Dorm C now and he can't even call home yet. Thank you for any info. you can pass on. Shaun's Mom

Shaun's Mom...He shouldn't be in orientation that long. He shouldnt' be in reception either because it isn't his first time in prison...he got transferred from Chino. Have you spoke to his counselor to see what is going on??? That is too much!

Dedicated Mama...I was under the understanding that your approval transfers also when they transfer... is this no longer correct? my guy was in delano first, then centinela, now lancaster, and I only submitted my application in Delano and haven't had a problem yet.

whats the difference between orientation and reception?

Reception is when they first get to state prison. They go through reception from about 60-90 days, or longer sometimes. They get evaluated on medical, education, history, crime,,,,everything! Once they pass reception...they get mainlined. Meaning...they get sent to the prison where they will do their time...based on their history and crime. When they get there...they go through orientation, where they classify him, into the correct group based on behavior, crime, etc...then they start with their time. orientation takes about 10-21 days. once they are off orientation, they get more yard time, make phone calls, get contact visits, etc.

missmybaby - thanks for your help. like shauns mom said, i look forward to reading your posts.

do we need to make appointments for those in reception?

yes call friday mornings at 8 and if its busy. keep calling, it might take about an hour. dont give up. i hope you get your visit. :)