Hi, I'm really new at this so please bear with me. I've been writing to a guy in Prison in Georgia for about a year now, I got his name from the Prison Penpals site, and I'm coming to the U.S.A. in 2 weeks (YIPPEE!) and I will be visiting him. I really don't have a clue what to expect, so any advice would be most appreciated. I don't want to get into this right now, but if the prison system in Australia, where I live, was like the system over there, all hell would break loose. You guys over there who have loved ones in Prison have got it tough and you all must be incredibly strong and brave to put up with the crap you have to deal with everyday. Anyway, thanks very much

Hi Cobwebqueen - I'm not American either so my first time visiting was kind of daunting. Actually though, once you get there it is fine. Just make sure you take all the relevant ID with you - and maybe something extra off the list too, just to be on the safe side. At a recent visit, I had taken in the required ID but then got told it wasn't right, even though I had been using it for the 3 previous days. Luckily I had taken about 4 pieces of ID with me.

ANd make sure you know how you are going to get there. SOme of those places are isolated so unless you are going to drive to the prison, make sure you have someone who can either take you there or that there is a cab firm in operation nearby.

I'm not sure what the prisons are like in GA but I have been to a couple in IL and generally what happens is they check you are on the visiting list and approve your ID, then give you a slip of paper to hand in to someone so they can go "find" your friend. You'll then go through an electronic alarm and get patted down - this involves you taking off your shoes and coat whilst they lightly pat you down (like in an airport if the machine goes off) and they will check your shoes and soles of your feet for contraband. Make sure you wear a NON underwired bra as it will set the alarms off otherwise and you will be refused a visit. Clothes shouldn't be too revealing either. I tend to go looking quite smart. You then wait for either them to be brought to you (if you have been taken to the visiting room) or for your name to be called so that you can go to the visiting room.

Oh - and make sure you take quarters for the lockers and the phone (if you need to call a cab). ANd find out what the situation is with regards getting food/drink for your friend. In the places I go to, you have to buy a vending machine card from a machine in the lobby but I know some places let you take money in. And if they say don't take anything else in with you they mean it. Don't even take a tampon in!!!

Let me know if you need anything else : )