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 State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at California State Prison 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 State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about California State Prison

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 State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to California State Prison?

   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 State Prison?

   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 State Prison. 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 State Prison. 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 State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   California State Prison
   900 Quebec Ave
   Corcoran, CA 93212
   

5. What are the visiting hours at California State Prison?

   Visiting hours at California State Prison 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 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 State Prison?

   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 State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at California State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at California State Prison 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 State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At California State Prison, 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 State Prison?

   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 State Prison 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 State Prison, 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

The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (SATF-CSP) in Corcoran maintains comprehensive visitation programs designed to help incarcerated individuals maintain meaningful connections with their families and support networks. The facility operates under Phase III protocols, providing both in-person and video visiting options that prioritize safety while fostering these crucial relationships. In-person visits typically allow up to three approved visitors for two-hour sessions, while video visits are scheduled for one hour every Sunday, ensuring regular contact opportunities for residents and their loved ones.

Beyond visitation services, SATF-CSP likely offers a range of rehabilitative programs common to California correctional facilities. These may include substance abuse treatment programs, given the facility's specialized focus, along with educational opportunities such as adult basic education, GED preparation, and potentially vocational training programs. The facility may also provide counseling services, mental health support, and reentry preparation programs designed to help residents develop the skills and resources needed for successful community reintegration.

Support services at SATF-CSP typically encompass various aspects of daily life and preparation for release. These often include library services, recreational activities, and religious programs that serve the diverse spiritual needs of the population. The facility may also offer job readiness training, life skills workshops, and case management services to help residents address individual challenges and develop comprehensive reentry plans. Medical and dental care services are standard components of the facility's operations, ensuring residents receive necessary healthcare throughout their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Incarcerated individuals at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (SATF-CSP) in Corcoran navigate their days within a structured environment that emphasizes both security and rehabilitation. The facility operates across multiple housing units (Facilities A through G), each with distinct mailing addresses that reflect the institution's organized approach to managing its population. Like most California correctional facilities, residents typically begin their days with early morning counts, followed by structured meal times, work assignments, and educational or treatment programming opportunities that may align with the facility's substance abuse treatment focus.

Maintaining connections with family and friends plays a crucial role in residents' daily routines at SATF-CSP. Under the current Phase III visitation protocols, incarcerated individuals can receive in-person visits lasting two hours with up to three approved visitors, while also having access to one-hour video visits every Sunday. These visits require advance scheduling and adherence to health protocols, including physical distancing and face coverings. The facility's visiting procedures reflect ongoing efforts to balance security requirements with the importance of family connections during incarceration.

The structured nature of daily life at SATF-CSP typically includes regular meal times in housing unit dining areas, participation in work assignments or educational programs, recreational periods, and evening counts before lights-out. Mail delivery provides another vital connection to the outside world, with correspondence processed through the facility's P.O. Box system in Corcoran. While specific programming details may vary, residents often have opportunities to participate in substance abuse treatment programs, vocational training, or educational classes that support their rehabilitation goals and preparation for eventual reintegration into the community.