What Happens During Intake at Frank Lee: Reception, Exams, and Classification Reviews
The first days after someone arrives can feel like a black box—especially when calls and updates are slow. Here's what reception, exams, and classification typically involve, and why it takes time before things settle into a routine.
When your loved one first arrives at Frank Lee, they go through the Alabama Department of Corrections reception process. First up: photos and fingerprints for identification. Reception also involves screening and interviews that help the facility decide housing assignments and what services the person may need. Along with medical and mental health checks, Classification Specialists conduct interviews and make initial custody and placement recommendations based on everything gathered during intake.
Frank Lee contact: 5305 Ingram Road, Deatsville, AL 36022. Main phone: (334) 290-3200.
During reception, inmates receive a complete physical exam and dental exam from medical and dental staff. This documents health needs early - before longer-term placement decisions are finalized.
Psychological testing and interviews are also part of reception. These mental health evaluations help staff understand needs and risks, so the initial classification decision is based on more than just paperwork.
Reception and initial classification don't wrap up overnight. In ADOC, this early process typically takes about two weeks - enough time for multiple exams, interviews, and the first round of classification decisions.
Classification doesn't end after intake. Under ADOC guidelines, inmates receive a formal classification review at least once a year - a check-in on custody level, placement, and related factors.
Beyond the annual review, an inmate's file gets reviewed every six months to check eligibility for custody or placement changes. Think of it as a scheduled file check - making sure the record reflects current status.
Practical Notes
- ✓ Expect communication to be slower during reception while intake steps and interviews are happening.
- ✓ Don’t be surprised if you don’t get clear updates right away - classification decisions take time to complete.
- ✓ If you’re worried about where your loved one is in the process, call the facility and ask for the most current status.
- Call Frank Lee’s main line - use (334) 290-3200 and ask for the most current intake/classification status.
- Ask what can be shared right now - during reception, staff may only be able to confirm limited details while processing is underway.
- Follow up after the early intake window - if you still don’t have clarity after the initial reception period, call again and ask whether initial classification has been completed.
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