This review is solely for the visitation of an inmate at this facility. I have no idea what goes on…read morebeyond the visitors area. Today was the first time I had ever set foot in any sort of prison. Not going to lie, it was intimidating at times. There are many hoops you have to jump thru during the process but they all seemed reasonable and for good safety reasons. For my safety, for the staff and for the inmates. When i pulled into the facility off the main road there was a checkpoint almost immediately. Every car stops and you have to get out and open the hood and trunk. While I was opening the hood other guards are opening the doors and checking the inside of the car. When my car was cleared I pulled forward a bit and gave my drivers license to another guard where he wrote down my info and license plate number, he also gave me a two digit number to remember and said I would need it when I was leaving, then I was cleared to head to the parking lot. Found a spot and parked, proceeded to the next check in, it was a small booth where I let them know which inmate I was there to see and gave them my drivers license. They checked the computer to confirm I was eligible to visit him and I was on to the next step. At this point, I came to a gate. There was a video camera and a sign under it that read Show ID To Camera. I did, and I heard the gate click and I opened it and proceeded. I was in what's known as a mantrap gate. As I approached the other end of the trap, the gate clicked open. It was at this point the gravity of where I was really set in. It was high fences and razor wire from here on out. I entered a building and got in line. Signed in and gave my ID, which they kept and gave me a numbered metal chip. Then it was off to the metal detector. Similar to an airport, shoes off and empty pockets. Then there was a pat down search and then I was cleared to go start my visit. After the two hour visit it was the exact reverse process leaving. It was a good experience and I was happy to see my friend again. While it was intimidating at times, at no point did I not feel completely safe. All of the staff and guards I spoke to throughout the process were understanding and polite.

I want to be clear..I'm not speaking on behalf of any employee, resident, or family member. I'm…read morespeaking solely from my own experience and what I know to be true. The East Texas Treatment Facility goes above and beyond to create opportunities for residents to succeed. However, success here like anywhere else depends on the individual's willingness to put in the work. If they don't, they will fail. This program is a valuable alternative to serving years in prison and should be taken seriously. Is the facility perfect? No, but no place is. What stands out are the continued improvements being made with the residents' well-being in mind. There are numerous initiatives available for those willing to invest their time and effort. To those former residents who call this place a "joke," I'd say this: if you didn't engage with the program or take advantage of what was offered, the only joke is how seriously you took your recovery. Likewise, this facility invests in its employees. Negative reviews from staff are disappointing, especially when they come from individuals who clearly aren't invested in personal growth. If you're unhappy and unwilling to contribute to positive change, then you won't be able to help the residents you're meant to support. In that case, it may be time to seek opportunities elsewhere. I encourage everyone to do their own research. Visit their Facebook page to see the many positive things happening at the facility--I've even shared photos from there. While the program isn't without flaws, I strongly believe it deserves a more balanced and fair assessment than it's currently receiving.

This is a review for when your loved one leaves this facility and goes to a half-way house. My son…read morewent to the half-way house in Corpus Christi Texas. He got one phone call to let me know that he was there. He had no money to use the payphone. He used a roommate cell phone to call me. The roomate agreed to let me sent money to him. My son never got the money. The facility threw my son out when he confronted the roomate. They did not do any investigation. The police who came to get my son was also notified; they did not do any investigation. I filed a report with Corecivic. The half-way house told Corecivic that no cell phones are allowed at their facility. Please call the half-way house when your loved one goes there and find out what are their rules and regulations. I don't want anyone to go through what I am going through.

Stayed the night here. Food sucked and the beds were uncomfortable. All the doors were broken as…read morewell. Literally could not get out until the hotel staff came and unlocked the door.

Message rejections are non-refundable. Video chat quality is bad. Inmate face is hidden by your…read moreface on screen.

It's nice being able to talk to a live representative to find out the rates and help set up…read moreaccounts.