Hays State Prison (Forest Hays, Jr. State Prison) – Overview and Information
Hays State Prison (Forest Hays, Jr. State Prison) is a state prison in Kennesaw, Georgia. It is one of Georgia’s largest maximum-security prisons and is home to approximately 2,500 male inmates. It was built in 1993 on 120 acres of land in the Chattahoochee National Forest in north Georgia and serves as the state’s largest facility for housing violent offenders.
The facility focuses on rehabilitation and providing programs that help inmates reintegrate into society after serving their sentences. In addition to its regular prison population, Hays State Prison also houses a specialized unit for inmates with mental illness. These inmates receive specialized medical care and therapeutic activities, in addition to educational and vocational training.
Hays State Prison offers a variety of work and recreational activities for its inmates. Fitness classes, yoga classes, and tutoring programs are available. Inmates also have the chance to participate in intramural sports such as basketball, volleyball, and softball.
Visitation is allowed in Hays State Prison, provided that it is within the allotted days and times. All visitors must be approved beforehand, and only two visitors per inmate are allowed per visitation. All visitors must go through a security check and be searched by guards. Any prohibited items found will be confiscated. All visitors must possess a valid government-issued ID, and visitors are not allowed to bring bags, packages, computers, or cell phones inside the visiting area.
Hays State Prison also operates a secure facility for inmates who require specialized medical treatment. This unit is called the Security Medical Center and is designed to provide medical care to physicians, medical staff, and inmates. All inmates receive the same medical care and access to services as civilian patients.
Hays State prison provides safe and secure housing for all inmates and provides necessary support services. Its programs and activities are designed to promote rehabilitation for individuals and to provide productive and positive experiences during incarceration.
Hays State Prison (Forest Hays, Jr. State Prison) – Classes, Services, and Programs
Hays State Prison (HSP) in northwest Georgia is a medium custody facility operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections’ (GDC) Division of Offender Rehabilitative Services. HSP is named after the late Forest Hays Jr., a Georgia legislator who was an advocate for prisoners’ rights. Established in 1987, HSP houses approximately 1,000 inmates and offers a range of services and programs.
HSP offers a variety of services and programs, including educational and vocational programs designed to help inmates learn new skills and prepare for their eventual release. Inmates are required to participate in regular programming such as anger management classes, life skills, moral and ethical development, and substance abuse classes. They are also encouraged to take classes outside of the prison such as 12 step programs, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other programs. Vocational classes such as plumbing, auto mechanics, welding, as well as bricklaying and culinary arts are offered to inmates.
HSP also offers support groups and reentry programs to help inmates reintegrate back into society following their release from prison. A crime-free lifestyle program is in place to help offenders develop appropriate decision-making skills and create a plan for a successful post-prison life. The facility also provides spiritual and religious programming to help inmates maintain a sense of community and find spiritual guidance while incarcerated.
The overall goal of the services and programs offered at HSP is to empower inmates to make positive changes while in prison and to prepare them for successful reentry into mainstream society following their release. Inmate participation is voluntary but highly encouraged to take full advantage of the available resources before returning to their communities. Additional resources are available to inmates in need of housing, employment opportunities, substance abuse education/treatment and access to other social services.
Inmate visiting application in Hays State Prison (Forest Hays, Jr. State Prison)
Visiting an inmate at the Forest Hays, Jr. State Prison can be a rewarding experience. With the proper planning and preparation, you can ensure a pleasant and safe visit that both you and the inmate will enjoy.
The first step is preparing your visiting application. You must complete a visiting application which includes your personal information, such as birthdate and address, as well as the inmate’s information and details about your relationship with them. You can find the application online or at the prison facility. It is important to answer all of the questions accurately and truthfully.
Once the application is complete, you will need to submit it to the Hays State Prison visitation office. You can do this online or by mail. Once the application is accepted, you will receive notification of your visit. If you have any questions, the visitation team is available to provide you with assistance or clarification on the application requirements.
When you arrive at the prison for your visit, you must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. You will then need to go through a security screening. All visitors are required to follow specific rules and regulations while inside the facility, and the visitation staff will review these with you prior to the visit.
Visiting an inmate at the Forest Hays, Jr. State Prison can be an emotional and rewarding experience, especially for family members and loved ones. Following the guidelines, preparing the necessary paperwork and making a plan ahead of time will help ease the process and ensure a successful visit.
Hays State Prison (Forest Hays, Jr. State Prison): Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
The present incarnation of Hays State Prison, located in Trion, Georgia, is a medium-security correctional facility. Originally built in 1964 as Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, but now known as Hays State Prison (HSP), the facility safely houses about 1,347 male inmates.
Q: What type of prison is Hays State Prison?
A: HSP is a medium-security correctional facility in Trion, Georgia.
Q: Is Hays State Prison state or privately owned?
A: HSP is owned and operated by the State of Georgia.
Q: Who was the founder of Hays State Prison?
A: HSP was founded by Forest Hays, Jr., a former U.S. Marine-turned corrections officer.
Q: How old is Hays State Prison?
A: HSP was originally built in 1964 and has since been in operation for over fifty years.
Q: How many inmates does Hays State Prison typically house?
A: HSP typically houses about 1,347 male inmates.
Q: What type of services are offered at Hays State Prison?
A: HSP offers its inmates a variety of educational and developmental programming, including GED classes, high school equivalency classes, life skills classes, and job readiness classes.
Q: What security measures are in place for the safety of the inmates and staff at Hays State Prison?
A: All inmates at HSP are subjected to a strict security regimen, which includes cell inspections, searches, dress codes, and various other security protocols. In addition, all cell blocks are monitored by correctional officers to ensure compliance with the facility’s rules and regulations.
