What to Expect During the First Two Weeks After Arrival at Fountain Correctional Center

Shortly after arrival, your loved one will be photographed and fingerprinted. This establishes their identity in the facility's official records.

Health screening happens early. Your loved one will receive a full physical exam, a dental exam, and psychological testing. These assessments help staff understand any medical or mental health needs from the start.

Once the initial screenings wrap up, Classification Specialists will interview your loved one. They use information from reception - plus their own research - to recommend custody level and housing placement.

Expect questions about criminal history, any past substance abuse, education, and employment. Staff are trying to figure out the right housing assignment and which programs or services might help.

The whole reception and classification process usually takes about two weeks. That can feel long when you're waiting on the outside, but it's standard - everyone goes through it before getting a permanent assignment.

Soon after classification, your loved one should receive a "Time Sheet." This document breaks down their sentence and shows a projected release date - helpful for understanding how their time is being calculated.

Rules vary from facility to facility, even within the same prison system. Fountain has its own institution-specific policies, and your loved one will learn about them during orientation shortly after arrival.

• ✓ Expect the first two weeks to be focused on reception and initial classification, which is generally completed within about two weeks after arrival.
• ✓ Watch for orientation information shortly after arrival - this is when institution-specific rules and policies are explained.
• ✓ Ask your loved one (once they’re able to share details) whether they’ve received their “Time Sheet” after classification, since it includes sentence time and a projected release date.