How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at California Institution for Men.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at California Institution for Men is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of California Institution for Men.

Frequently asked questions about California Institution for Men

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by California Institution for Men.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to California Institution for Men?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at California Institution for Men?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at California Institution for Men. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at California Institution for Men. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of California Institution for Men?

   Mailing address:

   California Institution for Men
   14901 Central Ave
   Chino, CA 91710
   Phone: (909) 597-1821

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at California Institution for Men?

   Visiting hours at California Institution for Men vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (909) 597-1821 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to California Institution for Men?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with California Institution for Men for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at California Institution for Men?

   You can send money to an inmate at California Institution for Men through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at California Institution for Men?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At California Institution for Men, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at California Institution for Men?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact California Institution for Men for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at California Institution for Men, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at the California Institution for Men (CIM), with comprehensive academic programming designed to serve individuals at various skill levels. The facility provides Adult Basic Education I for those who are functionally illiterate, while Adult Basic Education II and III serve individuals seeking to upgrade their skills or meet prerequisites for vocational training. These programs offer instruction in essential areas including writing, mathematics, reading, life skills, language development, and pre-GED preparation. Additionally, CIM recognizes the diverse linguistic needs of its population by offering an English as a Second Language Program to strengthen communication skills for non-native speakers.

Addressing substance abuse and addiction recovery, CIM operates a Substance Abuse Program (SAP) with capacity for 150 participants, providing structured support for individuals requiring addiction recovery assistance. The facility's multi-faceted approach to rehabilitation may also include vocational training programs that align with the educational prerequisites established through the academic programs. Mental health services, counseling programs, and life skills workshops typically complement these core offerings, helping prepare individuals for successful community reintegration.

The institution's programming structure reflects California's broader commitment to evidence-based rehabilitation, with services that may encompass job readiness training, cognitive behavioral interventions, and family reunification support. CIM's location in Chino positions it within a network of correctional facilities that often share resources and best practices, potentially offering additional specialized programs through collaborative efforts. These comprehensive services work together to address the educational, vocational, and personal development needs of the incarcerated population.

Daily Life & Visitation

The California Institution for Men operates across four distinct facilities - Facility A (West), Facility B (Reception Center Central), Facility C (East), and Facility D - each serving different populations within the larger correctional complex in Chino. Incarcerated individuals typically begin their day with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programming, or vocational training depending on their housing unit and classification level. The facility's educational offerings include Adult Basic Education classes at multiple levels, from ABE I for those who are functionally illiterate to ABE II and III for skill advancement, along with English as a Second Language programs for non-native speakers.

Program participation often structures much of the daily routine, with the facility's Substance Abuse Program accommodating up to 150 participants who may attend group sessions, counseling, and educational components throughout the week. Academic classes typically provide instruction in writing, mathematics, reading, life skills, and pre-GED preparation, with scheduling that allows individuals to balance educational pursuits with work assignments and other institutional responsibilities. Meals are served at designated times in housing units or dining facilities, with recreational periods and yard time scheduled around security protocols and facility operations.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life through the facility's visitation program and communication systems. Visitors can maintain contact with incarcerated individuals by following the institution's visiting procedures, while families may also send packages and correspondence according to established guidelines. The facility provides multiple mailing addresses for different housing units, ensuring that legal mail and general correspondence reach recipients efficiently. Evening hours typically include additional programming opportunities, personal time for reading or correspondence, and preparation for the next day's activities before evening count and lights-out procedures.