What restitution means for money you send to someone at CIW

CDCR's stance is simple: any funds you send directly to an incarcerated person can be applied to restitution if the sentencing court ordered it. Even money meant for basics or day-to-day needs can be affected by that court order.

Here's where the distinction between sending money and buying items comes in. CDCR treats inmate quarterly packages differently from deposits. When you purchase a quarterly package directly from an authorized vendor, that purchase isn't touched by your loved one's restitution order.

The "authorized vendor" part matters. CDCR requires vendors to get approval before providing quarterly package services to institutions. That approval process is what separates a vendor purchase from depositing money into an account.

• ✓ Confirm you’re ordering from an authorized, CDCR-approved quarterly package vendor
• ✓ Place the order directly through the vendor (not as a cash deposit to your loved one)
• ✓ Save your order confirmation and receipts for your records

1. Pause before sending money - if the payment is going directly to your loved one as funds, it can be subject to restitution.
2. Use quarterly packages for tangible support - inmate quarterly packages must be ordered through authorized private vendors, and direct vendor purchases aren’t impacted by restitution.
3. Keep documentation - save receipts and order confirmations so you can track what you purchased and when.

If you're a business interested in becoming a quarterly package vendor, CDCR directs inquiries to Lt. Victor Espinoza at Victor.Espinoza@cdcr.ca.gov.