California Institution for Women (CIW) is a women’s state prison located in Chino, California, east of Los Angeles. It was opened in 1952 and is managed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The prison has a capacity of 1,281 inmates.
The CIW has an address in the city of Corona in Riverside County, but the prison has been physically located in the city of Chino since 2006. The area has a rich agricultural tradition and is only about an hour from Los Angeles and two hours from San Diego. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s Lake Prado where visitors can hike, camp, swim, and golf.
Amongst many other types of programs, the CIW provides vocational and educational programs to help the inmates prepare for their release and reentry into society. The prison offers academic and vocational courses, substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, and counseling services. The goal of these programs is to reduce recidivism and help inmates successfully reintegrate into their communities.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,281 |
| Physical Address | 16756 Chino-Corona Road, Corona, CA 92880 |
| Mailing Address | 16756 Chino-Corona Road. Corona, CA 92880 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (909) 597-1771 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The California Institution for Women is a women’s prison located in Chino, California. It was established in 1933 as the state’s first female prison, with the Women’s Ward previously located at San Quentin State Prison. The facility has undergone several changes since its inception, including a relocation after the 1952 Kern County earthquake.
Establishment
The original California Institution for Women was dedicated in Tehachapi in 1932. However, after the 1952 Kern County earthquake, the female inmates were transferred to the just-opened CIW in Chino, and the Tehachapi facility was rebuilt as the male-only California Correctional Institution. The Chino facility has been expanded several times over the years to accommodate the growing number of inmates.
Notable Inmates
Over the years, CIW has housed several notable inmates, including Barbara Graham, who was executed in the gas chamber in 1955 for her involvement in the murder of Mabel Monahan. Another notable inmate was Claudia Haro, an actress who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for her role in the attempted murder of her ex-husband. Theresa Knorr, who was convicted of murdering two of her children and abusing the others, also served time at CIW.
Other notable inmates include Susan Atkins, a member of the Manson Family who was convicted of murder; and Dorothea Puente, a convicted serial killer who ran a boarding house for elderly and disabled individuals in Sacramento. Puente was convicted of killing nine of her tenants and burying them in her yard.
Despite its controversial history, CIW remains an important part of California’s criminal justice system. The facility is overseen by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and serves as a place of rehabilitation and punishment for female inmates from San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and beyond.
Facilities
The California Institution for Women is a women’s state prison located in the city of Chino, San Bernardino County, California. The facility has a capacity of 2,014 inmates and houses inmates with various levels of security. The CIW is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for the inmates while also offering various programs and services to help them rehabilitate and prepare for re-entry into society.
Physical Address
The physical address of the California Institution for Women is 16756 Chino-Corona Road, Corona, CA 92880. The facility is located east of Los Angeles and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Mailing Address
Inmates at the CIW can receive mail from family and friends. The mailing address for inmates at the California Institution for Women is:
Inmate Name and CDCR Number, California Institution for Women, 16756 Chino-Corona Road Corona, CA 92880
All mail sent to the facility is opened and inspected by staff to ensure that there is nothing unacceptable in the envelope.
Reception Center
The Reception Center at the CIW is responsible for processing new inmates into the facility. The center provides various services, including orientation, medical and mental health screenings, and classification assessments. Inmates are assigned a custody level based on their criminal history, behavior, and other factors.
Level of Custody
The California Institution for Women houses inmates with various levels of custody, including minimum, medium, and maximum security. Inmates are placed in a custody level based on their criminal history and behavior while incarcerated.
Visitation Guide
The CIW offers visitation to inmates to help them maintain relationships with family and friends. Visitors must follow strict guidelines and rules when visiting the facility. The visitation schedule and guidelines can be found on the CDCR website.
In conclusion, the California Institution for Women is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a safe and secure prison environment for female inmates. The facility offers various programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for re-entry into society. Visitors must follow strict guidelines and rules when visiting the facility.
Visitation Hours
- Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
- Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Programs and Services
The California Institution for Women offers a variety of programs and services to support the rehabilitation and reentry of its inmates. These programs range from education and vocational training to health care and substance abuse programming, as well as arts in corrections.
Education and Vocational Training
CIW provides basic education, GED, and computer training programs to help inmates improve their academic skills. In addition, the institution offers vocational training in fields such as clothing manufacturing, horticulture, and custodial maintenance. These programs aim to equip inmates with the necessary skills to secure employment upon release and successfully reintegrate into society.
Health Care and Substance Abuse Programming
CIW provides a range of health care services, including medical, dental, and mental health care. The institution also offers substance abuse programming, including methadone treatment, to help inmates overcome addiction and improve their chances of successful reentry.
Arts in Corrections
CIW offers arts in corrections programs to provide inmates with a creative outlet and promote personal growth. These programs include visual arts, creative writing, and performing arts. Inmates can participate in these programs to develop their artistic skills and express themselves in a positive, constructive manner.
Overall, CIW’s programs and services aim to support the rehabilitation and reentry of its inmates by providing them with education, vocational training, health care, and creative outlets. These programs are designed to equip inmates with the skills and resources necessary to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.