Avenal State Prison

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility uses the GTL/ViaPath portal for scheduling visits. After signing in, pick an available time slot and you'll see instant confirmation once your visit is accepted. New to the system? Use the "CLAIM ACCOUNT" link to register. The scheduling page includes links to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Since rules vary by facility, check the visitation page for on-site requirements, accepted IDs, and whether visits are in-person or video.

For general questions, call Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility at (916) 985-8610. CDCR is rolling out a new statewide communications provider for phone calls, video visits, and electronic messaging, so the platform at any given institution may change during the transition. Under statewide guidance, standard audio calls from institution phones and tablets are free. Video visits and electronic messaging typically require creating an account on the department's communications platform and adding prepaid funds when required. Some institutions may still use an older vendor during the rollout. Use whichever platform the site currently supports until migration is complete. For personnel or personnel-transaction questions, follow up through the listed CDCR contacts.

To add money to someone's trust account at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, use the deposit channels the facility accepts: online or mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders (available options vary). Before sending funds, confirm the person's full name and booking or facility ID so the deposit posts correctly. Trust account funds cover commissary, phone time, hygiene items, and other approved purchases. Balances can be reduced by court-ordered restitution or other authorized deductions. Check vendor fees and posting times ahead of time, since they affect total cost and when funds become available. If you use a kiosk, plan ahead: kiosks may accept cash or cards but often cannot make change. If the facility uses GTL, new users can select "CLAIM ACCOUNT" on the GTL site before making deposits.