Before You Drive to East Texas Treatment Facility: Your Pre-Visit Checklist
A little prep can save you a long drive and a denied visit. Use this checklist to confirm the basics, pack only what's allowed, and avoid the most common reasons visitors get turned away.
Before you leave, confirm two things: that your loved one is currently assigned to East Texas Treatment Facility and that their visitation privileges are active. Don't rely on old information from a previous week or a past transfer. Call the unit for final confirmation before you travel - especially if your visit depends on timing, childcare, or a long drive.
TDCJ visiting hours are normally Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. That's your general window, but check the unit's current schedule before picking a day and time.
Note: Even if you've visited before, call the unit to verify visitation hasn't been canceled before you drive.
Bring an acceptable photo ID and expect standard security on arrival. Staff can search vehicles and visitors, so keep your car and pockets simple - only what you're allowed to carry inside. Unsure about something? Leave it at home or locked in the car.
Allowed Items and Vending
- ✓ A small wallet
- ✓ A clear plastic bag (Ziploc-type) or a change purse
- ✓ Up to $35 in coins (for vending machines in the visitation areas)
- ✓ If you’re bringing an infant or small child: up to three diapers, a supply of baby wipes, and two baby bottles (or one “sippy” cup for toddlers), stored in a clear plastic bag
- ✓ Cell phones (not allowed inside the secure perimeter)
- ✓ Paper money (only coins up to $35 are allowed)
- ✓ Food items
- ✓ Purses and diaper bags
- ✓ Cameras
- ✓ Laptop computers
- ✓ Digital recorders
- ✓ Tobacco
- ✓ Lighters
- ✓ Other electronic or wireless devices
Plan your outfit ahead of time. If you're unsure about the dress code, call the unit before you go. During contact visits, you may embrace and kiss once at the beginning and once at the end - that's it. Following these basics keeps your visit running smoothly.
- Call to confirm assignment and privileges - Verify your loved one is assigned to East Texas Treatment Facility and still has visitation privileges before you drive.
- Pack your photo ID - Bring an acceptable photo ID for entry.
- Bring only permitted visit items - Small wallet, clear plastic bag/change purse, and up to $35 in coins (no paper cash).
- Lock up your phone - Cell phones aren’t allowed inside the secure perimeter, so leave it secured in your vehicle.
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