How to Schedule Your First Visit at Ware State Prison

Before scheduling anything, you need to be an approved visitor. Georgia Department of Corrections handles this through the Visitation Request Form - fill it out and submit it to the facility where your loved one is incarcerated. Once approved, you can request a specific visit through the Georgia Department of Corrections visitation request form. Two layers here: approval gets you on the allowed list, and the visit request gets you an actual appointment.

To schedule a visit at Ware State Prison, call at least one day before your intended visit. The number is the Warden's Secretary: 912-285-6432. Have your loved one's name ready when you call - their GDC number helps too, if you have it. Know which day you want to visit. If you're working around a job, childcare, or a long drive, I recommend calling as soon as you know your availability. That gives you time to adjust if your first choice isn't available. After scheduling, write down exactly what they told you - date, time, any special instructions. Don't rely on memory.

Georgia Department of Corrections also uses a scheduled-visit request form for setting up visits. If you haven't used it before, treat it as your formal appointment request - submit it with your information and your loved one's information exactly as it appears in GDC records. Not sure if your request went through? Keep a record of when you submitted it and save any confirmation you receive. You'll need it if you have to follow up.

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• ✓ Use the GDC “Add Visitor” option if you already have a scheduled visit and need to add additional visitors to that appointment.
• ✓ Use the GDC “Cancel my visit” option to find and cancel a scheduled visitation appointment you can’t make.

Visitation can be denied or revoked - and it's not always personal. Security concerns are often the trigger. GDC can refuse visits if someone is suspected of bringing contraband onto the premises, is caught with contraband, or attempts to introduce it into the facility. You can also lose visitation privileges for being deceptive on forms (including the "significant other" form) or for repeated violations after warnings. GDC may suspend visitation to address special security needs at the facility. If your visit gets stopped or you're told you can't be approved, focus on getting clear information about why - and what you can do next. That saves you from showing up only to be turned away.

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• ✓ Your loved one’s full name (and GDC number, if you have it)
• ✓ The date you want to visit (and a backup option)
• ✓ Names of everyone who plans to visit (make sure they’re approved)
• ✓ A pen/notes app ready so you can record the appointment details you’re given
• ✓ A reminder to submit the scheduled-visit request through the GDC visitation request form (and save any confirmation you receive)