What Happens During the First 10 Business Days at Lee Arrendale State Prison (GA)
If your loved one just arrived in Georgia state custody, her first stop is likely Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto. Here's what to expect during the first 10 business days of diagnostic processing—and what it means for staying in touch.
Lee Arrendale State Prison (LASP) in Alto, Georgia serves as the Georgia Department of Corrections diagnostic facility for female offenders. "Diagnostics" is a short-term intake and assessment period. Your loved one will be housed at Arrendale while the state completes required screening and classification - then decides where she'll be permanently assigned.
The diagnostic process identifies what comes next: programming needs (academic, vocational, cognitive), medical care, mental health services, and dental care. At Arrendale, this process typically wraps up within 10 business days of arrival. The main exception? When someone needs higher-level medical or mental health care - that can extend the timeline.
Day1
- ✓ Shower
- ✓ Delouse
- ✓ Photo taken
- ✓ Clothing issued
- ✓ Bed roll issued
- ✓ ID issued
Day 1 includes completing an intake packet - basically the facility's initial paperwork to get her entered into the system and moving through diagnostics.
Medical screening starts early. By Day 2, she'll have labs drawn, a Pap smear, physical exams, and DNA collection. Dental needs are also identified during this period. If higher-level medical or mental health care is required, that can push things beyond the standard 10-business-day window.
As diagnostics wraps up, the process moves toward final review and a transfer decision. The goal remains completion within 10 business days. Once finished, she'll be "pending transfer" to her longer-term facility. Higher-level medical or mental health needs can slow down the handoff and extend her time in the diagnostic phase.
The hardest part of diagnostics for most families? The waiting. Diagnostic offenders usually transfer before they become eligible for visitation at Arrendale (assuming bed space is available at the receiving facility). Visits during the diagnostic period are only allowed under extenuating circumstances. For most people, visiting becomes realistic only after she's assigned and moved.
When visitation does become possible, you'll need to schedule it. Visits at Georgia Department of Corrections facilities are by appointment only - request one through the GDC visitation form process.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Confirm where she is currently housed and get her GDC ID number (you’ll need it for most next steps)
- ✓ If you’re writing during diagnostics, address mail to: Arrendale State Prison, P.O. Box 709, Alto, GA 30510
- ✓ Start the visitation process by completing the GDC Visitation Request Form and submitting it to the facility where your loved one is incarcerated (visits are scheduled by appointment)
Wondering when you'll hear where she's going long-term? The timing usually lines up with the end of the diagnostic window - around the 10-business-day mark. If her situation involves higher-level medical or mental health care, it can take longer. A delay doesn't automatically mean something's wrong; the facility may simply need more time to complete diagnostics safely.
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