Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) is a female-only state prison located in Chowchilla, California. It is the largest female institution in the United States and houses 1,990 inmates. CCWF provides a variety of inmate programs, including academic education, work and vocational training, counseling, and specialized programs to help ensure successful reintegration into society.
CCWF is unique in that it houses the only female death row in California. The facility has a capacity of 1,990, but it often houses more inmates than it was designed for. CCWF is known for its strict security measures, including 24-hour surveillance, metal detectors, and highly trained staff. Despite the strict security, CCWF has faced criticism for its treatment of inmates, particularly with regard to healthcare and mental health services.
Overall, CCWF is a complex and controversial institution that plays a critical role in California’s correctional system. While it provides essential services and programs for female inmates, it also faces ongoing challenges and scrutiny. As such, it remains a topic of ongoing debate and discussion among policymakers, activists, and the general public.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,990 |
| Physical Address | 23370 Road 22, Chowchilla, CA 93610 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1508, Chowchilla, CA 93610 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (559) 665-5531 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of Central California Women’s Facility
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) is a female-only state prison operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). It is located in Chowchilla, California, and is the largest female institution in the United States. CCWF has a capacity of 1,990 but currently houses more than 3,000 inmates.
Location
CCWF is located at 23370 Road 22, Chowchilla, CA 93610. It is situated across the road from Valley State Prison, which is a male-only state prison operated by CDCR.
History
CCWF was opened in 1990 and was designed to house female inmates who require special medical and mental health care. In 1991, CCWF became the first prison in California to offer a substance abuse treatment program for women. In 1999, CCWF opened a 70-bed hospice unit for terminally ill female inmates.
In 2000, CCWF opened a 20-bed mother-infant care program to allow eligible female inmates to keep their babies with them in prison. In 2002, CCWF became the first prison in California to offer a college program for women, in partnership with Fresno City College.
In 2005, CCWF opened a 200-bed reentry facility for female inmates who are within 24 months of their release date. The facility provides vocational training, job placement assistance, and other services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
CCWF has also been the subject of controversy and lawsuits. In 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered California to reduce its prison population due to overcrowding, and CCWF was one of the facilities affected by the order. In 2015, CCWF was the subject of a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) alleging that female inmates were subjected to sexual abuse and harassment by prison staff. The lawsuit was settled in 2019 for $1.5 million.
Facilities and Programs
The Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) is the largest female institution in California and the United States. It houses female inmates of all security levels, from minimum to maximum custody. The facility provides a range of programs and services to its inmates, including education, vocational training, counseling, and specialized programs.
Security Levels
CCWF houses inmates of all security levels. The facility has a maximum security unit, which is designed to house the most dangerous and violent offenders. The unit is equipped with advanced security features, including electronic surveillance and a secure perimeter. Inmates in the maximum security unit are closely monitored and have limited access to programs and services.
Reception Center
The CCWF Reception Center is the first stop for all new inmates. The center provides medical and mental health screenings, and inmates are assigned to a housing unit based on their security level and other factors. The center also provides orientation and education programs to help new inmates adjust to life in prison.
Inmate Education
CCWF provides a range of educational programs to its inmates, including adult basic education, high school equivalency programs, and college courses. Inmates can also participate in vocational education programs, such as cosmetology, farming, auto repair, computer repair, carpentry, painting, milling, clothing creation, and welding.
Vocational Training
In addition to educational programs, CCWF offers vocational training programs to its inmates. These programs are designed to provide inmates with job skills that they can use upon release. Vocational programs include cosmetology, farming, auto repair, computer repair, carpentry, painting, milling, clothing creation, and welding.
Counseling and Specialized Programs
CCWF provides counseling and specialized programs to help inmates deal with mental health issues, substance abuse, and other challenges. The facility offers group and individual counseling, as well as specialized programs for pregnant and parenting inmates, victims of domestic violence, and inmates with disabilities.
Mental and Medical Services Division
CCWF has a dedicated Mental and Medical Services Division that provides comprehensive medical and mental health care to its inmates. The division includes physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. Inmates have access to a range of medical and mental health services, including routine check-ups, medication management, and crisis intervention.
Overall, CCWF provides a range of facilities and programs to its inmates, including education, vocational training, counseling, and specialized programs. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed upon release.
Inmate Life
Life for inmates at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) can be challenging, but the facility aims to provide a safe and secure environment for all inmates. Inmate life at CCWF includes a variety of activities and programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release back into society.
Visiting Hours
Visitation at CCWF is an important part of an inmate’s life, as it allows them to maintain contact with loved ones and friends. Visiting hours are
- Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., but they may be subject to change. It is recommended that visitors check or call the facility to confirm visiting hours before planning a visit.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at CCWF are allowed to receive mail from family and friends. Inmates must provide their mailing addresses to their loved ones, and it is recommended that they include their full name, CDCR number, and housing unit. Mail should be addressed to:
- Inmate Name, CDCR Number P.O. Box 1508, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Female Death Row
CCWF is also home to California’s female death row, which houses women who have been sentenced to death. Inmates on death row are housed separately from the general population and have limited privileges.
Pass and Mugshots
Inmates at CCWF are required to have a valid identification card, which includes a current photograph. Mugshots are taken of all inmates upon arrival at the facility. Inmates may also be required to obtain a pass to participate in certain activities or programs.
Judicial Reports
CCWF maintains detailed records of each inmate’s judicial history, including their sentencing information, disciplinary actions, and parole eligibility. These records are available to the public upon request, but they may be subject to certain restrictions and fees.
Overall, life for inmates at CCWF is structured and challenging, but the facility provides a variety of resources and programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release back into society. Visitation and mail are important parts of an inmate’s life, and CCWF aims to provide a safe and secure environment for all inmates.