Visiting During Intake: What to Expect If Your Loved One Just Arrived at Caddo Correctional Center

If your loved one just arrived, the hardest part may be hearing

To check whether your loved one is still in intake and ask about next steps, contact Caddo Correctional Center at 1101 Forum Drive, Shreveport, LA 71107. The main phone number is (318) 677-5254 (fax: (318) 677-5297).

“Intake status” has a specific meaning in OP-C-9: it’s the 30-day period after someone is placed into Department custody. During that time, staff handle intake processing, which can include medical and mental health assessments, custody classification, and identifying programming needs and assignments. In other words, it’s the facility’s window to evaluate and place your loved one appropriately before normal routines (including visits) begin.

The bottom line for families: while someone is in intake status, visits don't happen. OP-C-9 also specifies that people in intake can't apply for visitation while housed at a departmental facility. You won't be able to start the usual visiting process until intake ends.

There's one narrow exception if intake runs long. When intake exceeds 30 days, OP-C-9 allows the incarcerated person to request a special visit with immediate family members. That request goes through the Reception Center's visiting procedures. If you're approaching the 30-day mark, ask staff what the Reception Center requires and what your loved one needs to do to make the request.

Once intake status ends, visits can start - but they won't necessarily begin right away. OP-C-9 allows the receiving facility's Warden or designee to authorize visits with immediate family members, at the incarcerated person's request, until the full visitation application process is complete. Think of it as two tracks: getting through intake, and lining up the visitation requirements so there's less delay afterward.

• ✓ Your approved visiting application must be on file before you can visit.
• ✓ After a decision is made, the offender is notified, and the offender is responsible for telling applicants whether they were approved or denied.

1. Confirm intake status before you make the trip - Call Caddo Correctional Center at (318) 677-5254 (1101 Forum Drive, Shreveport, LA 71107) and ask whether your loved one is still in intake status.
2. Get the visiting application moving early - Since an approved application has to be on file before any visit can happen, start or confirm the application process as soon as you’re allowed to.
3. If intake goes past 30 days, ask about a special visit - OP-C-9 allows the offender to request a special visit with immediate family when intake exceeds 30 days, following the Reception Center’s visiting procedures.