What Programs Are Available at Larry B. Norris Unit? A Family's Guide

The Larry B. Norris Unit offers these programs: Agriculture (Field Crops and Vegetable Garden), Education, Faith-Based Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) Program, Paws in Prison Program, Substance Abuse Program, Think Legacy Program, and UNITY Program. When you call or write, use these exact names. It helps staff understand what you're asking about - and keeps everyone on the same page.

To make sure you’re looking at the right unit, Larry B. Norris Unit is located about 25 miles northeast of Pine Bluff, off Hwy. 15 in Jefferson County. The facility page also includes turn-by-turn local directions if you need them for travel planning.

Here's the catch: the public listing gives you program names, not the details families actually want. Who qualifies? How long is the waitlist? What's the schedule? What does someone need to do to get in? None of that is published. Think of the list - Agriculture, Education, PAL, Paws in Prison, Substance Abuse, Think Legacy, and UNITY - as your set of keywords for asking the right follow-up questions, not a full picture of what participation looks like.

Programs exist for a reason: correctional systems aim to maintain safety while giving people opportunities to improve themselves. When you talk with staff, framing your questions the same way helps. Ask what opportunities are available, what the expectations are, and what steps your loved one can take to be considered. Just don't assume any single program guarantees a specific outcome.

1. Call the unit - Use the Larry B. Norris Unit phone number: 501-842-3800.
2. Ask about a specific program by name - Use the exact program title (for example, “Paws in Prison Program” or “Faith-Based Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) Program”).
3. Have identifying details ready - Be prepared to give your loved one’s full name and any identifying number you have, so staff can locate the correct person.
4. Request the right kind of information - Ask whether they can confirm enrollment status and, if not, what the best way is to learn about eligibility or how someone applies.

1. Write a clear, short letter - Include your loved one’s full name and any identifying number you have, plus the specific program name you’re asking about.
2. Say what you’re requesting - For example: confirmation of participation (if it can be shared) or general information on eligibility and how someone is considered.
3. Mail it to the unit - 2501 State Farm Rd., Tucker, AR 72168-8713.
4. Keep a copy for your records - Save a photo or photocopy of what you sent, along with the date you mailed it.

Staff may have rules about what they can share with family, even when your questions seem simple. If someone says they can't confirm enrollment or discuss certain details, ask what they *can* share. Is there a process for verifying your identity or authorization? Keep your request specific and respectful, and you'll usually get a clearer answer about next steps - even if it's not everything you hoped to hear.

Questions to Ask

• ✓ Can you tell me whether [full name/ID] is currently participating in the Agriculture (Field Crops and Vegetable Garden) operation?
• ✓ Is [full name/ID] enrolled in Education right now? If not, what are the usual eligibility requirements?
• ✓ Is [full name/ID] participating in the Faith-Based Principles and Applications for Life (PAL) Program?
• ✓ Is [full name/ID] involved with the Paws in Prison Program?
• ✓ Is [full name/ID] in the Substance Abuse Program? If you can’t confirm that, what’s the general process to request placement?
• ✓ Can you explain what someone needs to do to be considered for the Think Legacy Program?
• ✓ Is [full name/ID] participating in the UNITY Program?
• ✓ Who is the best point of contact for general program questions (title/department), and what’s the best time to call?
• ✓ Are there any written materials or rules about eligibility, applications, or waiting lists that families are allowed to receive?

When you reach someone, write down the date, time, and the staff member's name and title if they give it. Getting different answers on different calls? Follow up in writing. Keep it simple: who you spoke with, what you were told, and what you're asking to confirm. The unit's phone number is 501-842-3800, and the mailing address is 2501 State Farm Rd., Tucker, AR 72168-8713.

• ✓ Keep a call log (date, time, who you spoke with, and the outcome).
• ✓ Save copies of any letters you send and any responses you receive.
• ✓ If the details matter for a deadline, consider sending mail in a way that gives you proof of delivery.
• ✓ If you’re told to call back, ask for a specific day/time window and the best extension or department to request.
• ✓ Bring the exact program name to every call so the question stays consistent.

The Larry B. Norris Unit has a capacity of 532.

Established in 1983, the unit holds ACA accreditation.