My son is in Haynesville Correctional Facility, VA. Since I live in Vermont I have never been able to visit him,however, I find that I have a way to get there this week. The thing is, I am not sure if I am on my son's visitation list (I"m pretty sure I am) or if his siblings are.

Does anyone have any idea if they will allow us in if we have come from out of state? Does anyone know if Haynesville has any special dispensations for families who have come from out of state to visit i.e. extra visiting hours etc.
I know it's probably a long shot but this was very last minute and unexpected. Fingers crossed though, it looks like we might be able to start going down every few months.

I would call FIRST before you make the drive - ask to speak with someone in visitation!!! Make sure you are on his list and have been approved - chances are regardless if you come from out of state or not if you are NOT ON HIS LIST and HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED they will NOT let you visit!!! If you are on his list - then you can ask about "special visits" which is extended visitation hours. But DEFINITELY CALL FIRST - dont just drive down there and not know if you are approved. They make everyone get approved for a REASON -

Kelly

Thanks Kelly, I'll do that. I suppose three days is not enough time to get added if I am not already :(

I'm not sure - if you tell them that you want to visit this coming weekend then they may put a rush on it. But chances are no! BUT YOU NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU CALL. Let them know you are his MOTHER and you would like to visit!!!! Never hurts to call and ask...... but be sure they know you are coming from Vermont and who will be with you.

Kelly

Yes I would definately call and make sure you're on his list before the visit b/c they will turn you away.. no matter how long you traveled.. if you're not.

Well all,

I went down to Haynesville and had a wonderful visit. My son is doing well and is looking better than I have seen him look in a long time. He seems to have accepted that he will be there for a while (2010) and has started reading and studying again. It's sad that prison had to be the catalyst that saved him from self destruction. I am still very sad that he is there but am very relieved to have seen him and to know that he is surviving.

I had no problem getting in, neither did his brother, sister or aunt. We went at about 1.30 and it was not busy. All we had to do was fill in a form, show I.D and allow a background chack to be done. The whole process took about 15 minutes.
The staff were very nice and helpful. Apparently there is no 'visitors list' per se, after we had filled out our forms they called ahead and asked if he wanted to see us. That was it.

It was not a long visit this time but we will be back. They told me at the prison that he can have as many visitors as he likes but they are only allowed in 4 at a time. Others have told me it depends on who is on duty, or that if you call you will be told something different. All I can tell you is what the guards told me. Up to 4 at a time, if it is busy they will call visitors out after an hour so that other inmates can get their visit.

So, many thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

Next time you go have him submit for a special visit. I travel from Oklahom to Virginia to see my hubby and I get to see him from 8-3 on sat and sun. I an glad u had a nice visit.

my boyfriend is in haynesville and will also be there till 2010 i have not been there yet but was wondering if i could get a special visit with him i am about 3 hours from there and i was also wondering if you can kiss and hold hands in there i am trying to find out all i can before i go i also hear they are strict on clothes can i wear jeans that are not tight ??? please help i really don't want to go that far and can't wear what i have on anything will be helpful

No, you can't get special visits when you live in the same state unless there are extenuating circumstances. Best bet is to go early so you can get the most time possible. Good luck and don't be so stressed. Just dress conservative and you will be fine!

Even when you live in a different state they will deny you unless you are a very long way from the prison. I was driving over 4 hrs each way at one point and was denied extended visits.

My son is in Haynesville and I have been visiting there every month for the last six months or so. They are very strict about what you wear. One time I had on a short-sleeved, V-neck top with a very high V and absolutely no cleavage showing (I'm his mom, for god's sake!) and they denied me and told me to drive up to the Dollar store and buy a new shirt. So that's what I did. I bought the biggest, ugliest Tshirt I could find and when I came back, they let me in. Then I get in there and see 2 or 3 other women with very low necks and lots of cleavage. I am not a racist person, both my children and I have dated outside our race, but I have noticed on more than one occasion that the black women seem to be able to wear what they want. I would say to cover up as much as possible and wear a round neck, not a V-neck.