Upon arrival, inmates undergo a series of diagnostic evaluations that will determine future prison assignments. These new inmates stay in the Clark dormitory separate from the general population inmates in dormitories on the other side of the prison campus. The prison also has seven cells for placing inmates in administrative or disciplinary segregation. Inmates work in a number of jobs. Fountain was the first female prison to establish community work squads, where a correctional officer supervises a squad of inmates in short term, manual labor work for local governments.
Fountain has three community work squads.
Other inmates work under contract for local government agencies or may be assigned to maintenance or kitchen duties. Inmates nearing the end of their imprisonment may participate in work release, leaving the prison for the part of the day to work for a business in the community. Edgecombe Community College works with the prison to provide vocational classes for nursing assistants, office technicians and job readiness. Classes for adult education and preparation for the GED tests are available. Fountain is the first NC prison to have a Girl Scout program - Girl Scouts Behind Bars.