What to Expect During the First Two Weeks After Arrival at Ventress Correctional Center
The first couple of weeks after someone arrives at Ventress can feel quiet and confusing from the outside. Inside, though, a lot is happening—reception, medical screening, classification. These steps can slow down communication at first.
Right after arrival, your loved one goes through reception processing - photos, fingerprints, the basics. This is why families often don't hear much at first. Required intake steps have to happen before anything feels settled.
Health screening is also part of reception. Inmates receive a complete physical exam and a dental exam from medical and dental professionals. Between administrative intake and these appointments, the first days are packed with back-to-back processing. Phone calls and other communication often feel delayed.
After initial intake, classification interviews take up much of the first two weeks. Staff gather information and complete the reception and classification process, which generally wraps up within about two weeks of arrival. Until that's done, a lot of details - like housing assignment and initial custody level - may still be in flux.
Families often ask when paperwork arrives that explains what's next. In Alabama DOC, the reception and classification process generally finishes within two weeks of arrival. Shortly after initial classification, your loved one should receive a Time Sheet.
The Time Sheet is one of the most useful documents early on. It summarizes sentence timing - how much time remains and the projected release date.
ADA support: During reception and classification, the facility ADA Coordinator is available to assist inmates with reading, hearing, sight, or other disabilities.
Classification doesn't end after the first two weeks. Once someone is in the system, they receive a classification review at least once a year.
There's also a regular check-in between annual reviews. Every six months, an inmate's file is reviewed to determine eligibility for changes in custody and placement. These reviews can affect housing and open up new options over time.
Practical Advice
- ✓ Make sure the facility has the correct contact information for you so you’re ready when communication opens up.
- ✓ Expect slower mail and phone contact while reception and classification are being completed (generally within two weeks after arrival).
- ✓ Watch for the Time Sheet shortly after initial classification - it’s a key early document.
- Ask how to confirm the Time Sheet was issued - once initial classification is done, check what the normal process is for receiving or verifying the Time Sheet.
- Review the Time Sheet carefully - look for the remaining time on the sentence and the projected release date.
- Keep a simple record - write down dates and notes from any calls, letters, or paperwork you receive so you can track what’s been provided and when.
Tip: If your loved one has trouble reading, hearing, sight, or another disability that could affect intake or understanding paperwork, ask about help from the facility ADA Coordinator as early as possible.
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