CIW Securus transition timeline: what families need to do before, during, and after 2/2–2/6
CIW is switching phone and tablet services from ViaPath to Securus on a set schedule. Here's what's happening when — and what you can do now so you're not caught off guard during the changeover.
California Institution for Women (CIW) has a phone transition date of 2/2, followed by a tablet transition window of 2/4–2/6. Why the change? The California Department of Technology awarded CDCR's telecommunications contract to Securus Technologies, LLC on February 21, 2025, and facilities are rolling over on a staggered timeline.
Content won’t transfer: Photos, e-messages, and media purchased through ViaPath can’t be moved to the new Securus tablets.
The bottom line: once CIW transitions, you'll use Securus going forward. Until then, incarcerated people continue using ViaPath. After the switch, families need to be set up on Securus for services as they come online.
Before Transition Steps
- ✓ Save what you want to keep from ViaPath now - photos, e-messages, and purchased media won’t transfer to the new Securus tablets.
- ✓ If you have unused ViaPath funds, plan your refund: families can request refunds through the ViaPath call center.
- ✓ Know what happens to your loved one’s balance: incarcerated balances are refunded to their trust accounts automatically.
- Create your Securus account (web or mobile) - you’ll want it ready for videoconferencing and messaging when those services are available.
- Install the free Securus app (or plan to use a computer/tablet browser) - Securus Video Connect is web-based, and you can schedule and join video sessions through the app or on a computer or tablet.
- ✓ Re-check CIW’s listed dates close to the switch (phone 2/2; tablets 2/4–2/6) - CDCR says transition dates are tentative and can change.
- ✓ Use CDCR’s tablets page for the rollout schedule and cost information.
- ✓ If you’re planning around video visits, check Securus materials and CDCR’s schedule/cost details again right before you put money on an account or set expectations with your loved one.
During the tablet exchange window (2/4–2/6), incarcerated people at CIW will turn in their ViaPath tablet and receive a new Securus tablet. CDCR secured an interim agreement with ViaPath to avoid service interruptions, so the goal is continuity even while devices and systems are changing over.
Plan for some variability: CDCR says the posted dates are tentative, and interim arrangements can affect what’s available day-to-day during the changeover.
Once CIW transitions, Securus is your platform for staying connected. This is part of the broader CDCR shift after the California Department of Technology awarded the telecommunications contract to Securus Technologies, LLC on February 21, 2025.
Planning to use video? Securus Video Connect is fully web-based. You can schedule and join calls using the free Securus app or from any computer or tablet. For the specifics - when services go live at CIW and what they cost - Securus directs families to CDCR's tablets page for the implementation schedule and pricing.
Timing caveat: CDCR flags transition dates as tentative. CIW is listed as phone transition 2/2 and tablet transition 2/4–2/6 - verify right before those dates in case the schedule shifts.
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