Before You Drive to Goodman Unit: The Call-Ahead Checklist
A visit can go smoothly—or turn into a wasted trip—depending on what's changed since you last checked. Use this quick call-ahead checklist to confirm you're cleared for visitation at Goodman Unit and that everything's still on.
Calling Goodman Unit before you leave is the easiest way to avoid a wasted trip. TDCJ updates visitation information once daily on weekdays and multiple times on visitation days - things can shift fast. A quick call confirms the schedule you're planning around is still accurate and that visitation hasn't been canceled.
Note: Unit-wide visitation cancellations (including at Goodman Unit) are posted on the TDCJ homepage. Check there before you call so you’re not chasing information that’s already been posted.
What Confirm
- ✓ Confirm the inmate is currently assigned to Goodman Unit.
- ✓ Ask whether the inmate has visitation privileges.
- ✓ Confirm the current visitation schedule for the day you plan to come.
- ✓ If you’re planning a regular contact visit, confirm the standard visiting window (Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).
- ✓ Ask whether visitation has been canceled (an eligible inmate cannot receive visitors if visitation has been canceled).
- ✓ Ask whether your relationship request (submitted in the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler) was received by the unit and verified by staff.
- ✓ Verify that you are an approved visitor for that inmate.
- ✓ If you’re unsure about your approval status in the scheduler, contact the unit to verify before you travel.
Even if everything looked fine last time you checked, don't skip that final call. Schedules get updated frequently - especially on visitation days. That one quick check helps you avoid showing up on the wrong day or after a last-minute cancellation.
In the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler,
- Call Goodman Unit to confirm what the scheduler status means - Ask whether your visitor/inmate relationship was verified and why “Not Approved for Visits” is showing.
- Ask about visitation privileges - Confirm whether the inmate’s visitation privileges were suspended or removed.
- Get clear next steps - Ask what, if anything, is needed to restore approval or visit eligibility before you try to schedule again.
Quick Prep
- ✓ Re-check regular contact visiting hours (Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).
- ✓ Check the TDCJ homepage for any unit-wide visitation cancellations before you depart.
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