Alright, I am freaking out right now(hopefully for nothing!). I am going to visit the love of my life in April, and I am SOOO excited! I haven't been approved yet, but he said it will be no problem seeing as I do not have a criminal record. Here's the thing though. I need to show picture identification upon entering the prison. I do not have a driver's license(don't drive) or a passport. However, I DO have a birth certificate and an Ontario Health Card WITH a picture.

I read the following information in a fact sheet on visitation:

All visitors shall be identified against a photo identification card issued by state, county or city government agency.

I am NOT in the United States, but my Ontario Health Card IS a government document, which lists full name, date of birth, and address(along with picture). So, I'm ASSUMING that should be alright? It better be, or else I'm screwed! Because I don't have the time now to apply for a passport! I wouldn't get it in time. I DID go to apply for one, but was told that the law requiring a passport in order to cross the border would not take effect until 2008, and if I was not going to be traveling by air or sea that I should hold off on it(because there was a long wait). My best friend is driving there. I figured that since the birth certificate/health card is sufficient to cross the border(called Customs, said it was fine) then it should be enough to get into a prison! I mean, really! It should be harder to cross the border into the US, then to visit an inmate! LOL Oh my god. I'm rambling. I'm just so looking forward to this, and so is my sweetie. And everyone is always letting him down and.... well, if there is anyone out there that can help, please feel free to jump in! Thanks all.

Lisa

Lisa,

Does Canda have something like a state issued ID? Best thing would be to call the prison and tell them what kind of ID you do have and make sure they will accept it.

hey Lisa
(even though you and i have already talked about this) figured i'd post something too.... lol can't pass up a post.. gah lol
thats what i'd do.. like i said.. on the PHONE, they are usualy pretty nice... just call and tell them when you are comen.. and what you have... if that will work.. or what you will need.. if they can't answer your questin.. they will put you through to someone that will.
i'd make sure i called to see before comen all the way here.. because they do not have a problem with sending people away<eyeroll>
Hope you get everything set up and ready to go soon.
Heard if you have gotten approved yet?
you did send him all your info already.. aint ya?
wishen you a good day.
*Bama*

Michelle:

I phoned the prison this morning(7:30 am!!) and inquired about it. Big sigh of relief! PHEW! I was told that I did not need a passport, and that the birth certificate and health card(with picture) would be sufficient. Then she went on to rattle off a list of all the rules regarding dress code for visitors. WOW! LOOOONG list! It's a little over the top I think, but what can you do? I mean, God I'm gonna look like a fricken nun! LOL Anyway, she said the best choice would be a dark top, and a pair of dark colored pants. Gee, I bet he won't be able to contain himself! NOT! On the bright side though, black IS a slimming color(wink). Ultimately, it doesn't really matter. As long as I get to spend those six precious hours with my baby. She wasn't really warm and fuzzy, but she was decent!

I gave the personal information to Steven's adoptive dad, because it will get to him faster(he is in Atlanta, Georgia). Steven is going to submitt it on the first of next month(said it doesn't take long to be approved). I'm not worried about it really. I don't foresee a problem, as I have no criminal record. It should be all good from here! I just about had me a heart attack! LOL

Lisa

CONGRATS Lisa... glad to hear that all is working out...
and yeah.. the dress code.... ( no slutty stuff! hahahahah)
but jeans and a t shirt has always worked for me <shrug>