Review available deposit, commissary, money order, and online payment information for sending money to an inmate at California Institution for Women.
California Institution for Women (CIW) points visitors to Securus/ViaPath for accounts, communications, and certain money-related tasks. New to Securus? The facility's visitation portal includes a "Claim Account" link to help you get set up. You don't need an online account for free phone calls, but you do need one for video calls and electronic messaging. To send money, confirm the incarcerated person's full name and ID first, then use an accepted deposit method (online portal, phone, kiosk, or mail where allowed). Expect vendor fees and posting times to vary. Never mail cash, and keep in mind that restitution or other deductions can reduce what's actually available to the person inside.
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Sending money and paying for communication services can feel confusing during a vendor change. Here's how to set yourself up so your loved one's transition goes smoothly and your funds end up in the right place.
CDCR is switching its telecom and tablet services from ViaPath to Securus. The California Department of Technology awarded the new contract to Securus Technologies, LLC on February 21, 2025, and CDCR set up an interim agreement with ViaPath to keep services running during the transition. At California Institution for Women (CIW), the tablet exchange window was scheduled for February 4–6 — that's when ViaPath tablets get swapped out for new Securus tablets.
Yes, if you want video calls or electronic messaging, you should claim or create a Securus account through CIW’s visitation portal. Securus says an online account is not required for free phone calls, but it is required for video and messaging.
Request a refund for an unused ViaPath balance through ViaPath’s website, following the vendor guidance CIW provides.
Never mail cash. Use vendor-approved deposit options, and check CIW's vendor instructions to see whether mail-based options (like money orders) are accepted and how long deposits take to post.
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.
If you use video calls, e-messages, or photos at California Institution for Women (CIW), the switch from ViaPath to Securus works in your favor. Here are the exact rate differences—plus a few scenarios to help you estimate your monthly savings.
If your loved one is housed at a CDCR facility like California Institution for Women, communication services are moving to Securus. Here's what you can do now to get ready for phone calls, video calls, and electronic messages as they roll out.
