Valley State Prison (VSP) is a state prison located in Chowchilla, California. The prison has a capacity of 1,961 inmates and employs over 1,300 staff members. VSP provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release and reentry into society.
Visitation is an important part of an inmate’s rehabilitation, and VSP offers several options for family and friends to visit their loved ones. In-person visits are available. Video visits are also available through the VSA, which allows visitors to connect with inmates remotely using a computer or mobile device. VSP also offers a Family Reunification Program, which provides transportation and lodging for family members who live more than 250 miles away from the prison.
While VSP is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and inmates, incidents can still occur. In 2020, there were several cases of COVID-19 among staff and inmates. VSP implemented several measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including mandatory face coverings, social distancing, and increased cleaning and disinfecting. As of May 2023, the prison has not reported any active cases of COVID-19 among its staff or inmates.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,961 |
| Physical Address | 21633 Avenue 24, Chowchilla, CA 93610 |
| Mailing Address | P. O. Box 92, Chowchilla, CA 93610-0092 |
| 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) 665-6100 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of Valley State Prison
Valley State Prison is a medium-security male institution located in Chowchilla, California. It was established in 1995 and is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The prison has a capacity of 1,961 inmates and is adjacent to the Central California Women’s Facility.
History
Valley State Prison was constructed in response to the increasing population of California’s prison system. The facility was designed to house inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes and require medium-security confinement. The prison has undergone several upgrades and renovations over the years to improve its facilities and services.
Facility Information
The prison covers an area of approximately 1,000 acres and has a total of 19 housing units. It also has a health care facility, a food services building, an education building, and a vocational training center. The prison offers various educational and vocational programs to help inmates develop skills and prepare for their eventual release. These programs include Adult Basic Education, GED, High School, and college courses offered through Merced College and CSU Fresno.
Population
As of May 2023, the population of Valley State Prison is approximately 1,900 inmates. The prison houses medium-security male inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes. It also serves as a reception center for new inmates entering the California prison system. The prison has a diverse population, including inmates from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The prison offers various educational and vocational programs to help inmates develop skills and prepare for their eventual release. With its diverse population and commitment to rehabilitation, Valley State Prison plays a critical role in the state’s criminal justice system.
Inmate Information
Valley State Prison is a state prison in Chowchilla, California. It offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for release and reentry into society. This section will provide information on inmate search, records, sentenced inmates, sensitive needs yard, visiting hours, friends and family, money and commissary, electronic funds transfer, and package and mail.
Inmate Search
To find an inmate at VSP, you can use the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Locator website. You will need the inmate’s CDCR number or full name and date of birth to conduct a search. If you need assistance, you can contact the VSP Public Information Officer (PIO) at (559) 665-6100.
Inmate Records
Inmate records at VSP are maintained by the CDCR. Inmates can request their own records, but third-party requests must be made through the CDCR’s Records Management Branch. Records include personal information, sentencing information, disciplinary history, and medical and mental health records.
Sentenced Inmates
VSP houses both sentenced and unsentenced inmates. Sentenced inmates have been convicted of a crime and are serving their sentence at VSP. Unsentenced inmates are awaiting trial or sentencing. Sentenced inmates may be eligible for various programs and services, such as education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Sensitive Needs Yard
VSP has a Sensitive Needs Yard (SNY) for inmates who require special protection due to their status as a victim, informant, or due to other circumstances. Inmates on the SNY are kept separate from the general population for their safety.
Visiting Hours
Visitation hours are:
- Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must follow the dress code and other rules and regulations. Contact the VSP Visiting Sergeant at 559-665-6100 Ext: 5708 for more information.
Friends and Family
Friends and family of inmates can stay in touch through phone calls, letters, and visits. Inmates can make collect calls or use the electronic messaging system to communicate with approved contacts. For more information on how to contact an inmate, visit the CDCR’s website.
Money and Commissary
Inmates at VSP can receive money from friends and family through electronic funds transfers or money orders. Inmates can use the money to purchase items from the commissary, such as food, hygiene products, and clothing.
Electronic Funds Transfer
Friends and family can send money to inmates at VSP through electronic funds transfer (EFT). The CDCR has contracted with JPay to provide this service. To send money, visit the JPay website or call (800) 574-5729.
Package and Mail
Inmates at VSP can receive packages and mail from approved senders. Packages must be sent directly from an approved vendor and must not contain prohibited items. Inmates can also receive letters and cards from friends and family but must follow the rules and regulations regarding mail. For more information on sending packages and mail, visit the CDCR’s website.
Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs
Valley State Prison offers several rehabilitation and treatment programs to its inmates to help them re-enter society as productive individuals. These programs aim to provide the inmates with the necessary skills to overcome their personal issues and challenges and to help them make positive changes in their lives. The following subsections describe some of the programs offered at Valley State Prison.
Mental Health Treatment
Valley State Prison provides mental health treatment to its inmates through the Mental Health Services Delivery System. This program offers a range of services, including individual and group therapy, medication management, crisis intervention, and discharge planning. The program is designed to help inmates with mental health issues receive the care they need to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Substance Abuse Treatment
The Substance Abuse Treatment Program at Valley State Prison is designed to help inmates overcome their addiction to drugs and alcohol. The program offers a range of services, including individual and group therapy, educational classes, and relapse prevention planning. Inmates who participate in this program are more likely to successfully overcome their addiction and maintain their sobriety after their release.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous is a 12-step program that offers support and guidance to individuals struggling with addiction. Valley State Prison offers Narcotics Anonymous meetings to its inmates to help them overcome their addiction and develop the skills they need to stay sober. The program is based on the principles of honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness, and encourages participants to take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes in their lives.
Freedom to Choose
The Freedom to Choose program at Valley State Prison is designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to make positive choices in their lives. The program offers a range of services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, anger management, and conflict resolution. Inmates who participate in this program are more likely to successfully re-enter society as productive individuals and avoid re-offending in the future.
Technology and Services
Valley State Prison offers a range of technology and services to help incarcerated individuals stay connected with their loved ones and access educational and rehabilitative resources.
Phone and Address
For those looking to contact VSP, the physical address is 21633 Avenue 24, Chowchilla, CA 93610. The main phone number is (559) 665-6100. Additionally, all telephone audio calls made from an incarcerated person in a California state prison are free of charge as of January 1, 2023. This is part of a six-year contract that covers many aspects of communications technology, including providing access to services from tablets and kiosks for the entire incarcerated population.
Driving Directions
If you need driving directions to VSP, you can use a map service like Google Maps or MapQuest. Simply enter the physical address (21633 Avenue 24, Chowchilla, CA 93610) into the search bar and follow the directions provided.
Valley State Prison is also part of the Prison Industry Authority (PIA), which provides incarcerated individuals with job training and work opportunities. This program helps prepare them for successful reentry into society after their release.
Overall, Valley State Prison is committed to providing incarcerated individuals with access to the technology and services they need to maintain connections with their loved ones and work toward rehabilitation and reentry.
Legal Information
Convicted Inmates
Valley State Prison is a correctional facility that houses convicted inmates. Those who are convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in VSP are subject to the rules and regulations of the prison. Inmates are provided with legal resources to help them navigate the legal process, including access to legal mail and assistance from the Litigation Coordinators. However, inmates are not allowed to receive any obscene, threatening, or fraudulent materials through the mail.
Victim Services
Victims of crimes committed by inmates at VSP can access victim services provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The CDCR provides a variety of services to victims, including notification of an inmate’s status, assistance with restitution, and access to counseling services. Victims can also register with the Victim Services Unit to receive information about the inmate’s status and release.
Mugshots
Mugshots of inmates at VSP are considered public records and can be obtained through the CDCR’s Inmate Locator website. The website allows users to search for an inmate by name or CDCR number and provides information such as the inmate’s location, status, and release date. Mugshots can also be obtained through the Litigation Coordinators at VSP.
Status and Release
The status and release date of an inmate at VSP can be obtained through the CDCR’s Inmate Locator website. The website provides information about the inmate’s custody status, location, and release date. Inmates may be released from VSP through a variety of programs, including parole, community supervision, and discharge.
Overall, Valley State Prison provides legal resources and victim services to inmates and victims, respectively. Mugshots of inmates can be obtained through the CDCR’s Inmate Locator website, and information about an inmate’s status and release can also be found on the website.