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Arrendale: What Happens During the First 10 Days of Diagnostics (Day‑by‑Day)

The first days after someone goes to prison feel like a blur—especially when you're waiting to hear from them and have no idea what's happening on the inside. Here's the day-by-day diagnostic timeline at Lee Arrendale State Prison so you can follow what your loved one is likely experiencing during those first 10 business days.

• 2 min read • gdc.georgia.gov
Arrendale: What Happens During the First 10 Days of Diagnostics (Day‑by‑Day)

Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto, Georgia serves as the diagnostic facility for women entering the Georgia prison system. During this period, staff gather the information needed to place someone appropriately - covering programming needs, medical care, mental health, and dental.

The diagnostic process at Arrendale is designed to wrap up within 10 business days of arrival. That's the target for most people. It can stretch longer if someone needs more intensive medical or mental health care - those issues get addressed as part of the process, not after.

Day1

  • ✓ Shower
  • ✓ Delouse
  • ✓ Photo taken
  • ✓ Clothing issued
  • ✓ Bed roll issued
  • ✓ ID issued
  • ✓ Intake packet completed

Day 2 is packed with medical appointments. Expect blood work, a pap smear, physical exams, and DNA collection. Dental is part of diagnostics too. Comprehensive dental exams are scheduled during this period, so don't be surprised if dental screenings happen alongside medical testing.

Days 3–4 are for checking and closing out earlier testing. PPD test results are read during these days. If someone tests positive, chest x-rays get ordered. These days also serve as catch-up time. If something wasn't completed earlier or a provider needs a follow-up, this is when it typically happens.

Arrendale: What Happens During the First 10 Days of Diagnostics (Day‑by‑Day)
  1. Complete the pre-parole interview - A parole investigator conducts a pre-parole interview as part of the Days 5–6 schedule.
  2. Attend parole orientation - This is the orientation piece of the parole process during diagnostics.
  3. Finish the parole packet and personal history statement - Paperwork is a big part of this window, and these documents are included.

Days 7–10 are wrap-up. Final interviews take place, and the Diagnostic Director reviews each file to confirm everything is complete. Once someone finishes diagnostic processing, they're essentially waiting for placement review and transfer to their assigned facility.

If you're watching the calendar and hoping to visit, the diagnostic timeline can be frustrating. Most people transfer before they become eligible for visitation - especially when bed space opens up at the next facility. Visits during diagnostics are only allowed under extenuating circumstances, so most families won't get to visit during this short window. After transfer, phone access and in-person visits depend on the receiving facility's rules.

Note: Most people transfer before they're eligible for visitation during diagnostics. Visits are only allowed under extenuating circumstances.

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