What families at Valley State Prison (Chowchilla) should do before and during the ViaPath → Securus transition
Valley State Prison is switching from ViaPath to Securus. A little prep now can save you from lost funds, missing content, and last-minute headaches. Here's what to do before the switch—and what to expect during the changeover.
CDCR has posted a rollout schedule showing when each facility moves from ViaPath to Securus. The switch is happening because CDCR awarded a new telecommunications contract to Securus Technologies. In the meantime, CDCR kept an interim agreement with ViaPath to avoid service interruptions while the statewide transition wraps up.
Note: Transition dates are tentative. CDCR warns there may be intermittent outages during the changeover, so treat any posted date as a working estimate. Verify before making time-sensitive moves.
At VSP, the shift to Securus includes a physical tablet exchange. Your loved one will turn in their ViaPath tablet and receive a new Securus tablet as part of the transition.
For you, the main day-to-day change is which platform you use. While VSP is still on ViaPath, keep using ViaPath. Once the transition happens, you'll switch to Securus for all communications with people at VSP.
Have unused money in ViaPath? You don't have to wait and hope it sorts itself out. Families can request refunds for unused ViaPath balances through the ViaPath call center. Consider this a "do it now" task - it's easier to handle before the switch than during.
Balances on the incarcerated person's ViaPath account work differently. Any remaining funds will be refunded automatically to their trust account.
Warning: Photos, e-messages, and media purchased through ViaPath won't transfer to the new Securus tablets. If there's anything you can save or download on your end, do it now - before VSP's transition date.
- Set up Securus ahead of time - Open a Securus account (or install the Securus mobile app) so you’re ready to message and use videocalls after VSP moves to Securus.
- Add funds the Securus way (for videocalls) - In the Securus app, use AdvanceConnect to set up and add funds for prepaid videocalls.
- Turn on Video Connect - In the app, go to Video Connect and register by selecting “Permitir videollamadas” (Allow videocalls).
- ✓ Check VSP’s current status (still on ViaPath vs. already switched) before you put money on the wrong platform.
- ✓ Confirm the transition timing using CDCR’s posted rollout schedule, and assume dates can shift.
- ✓ Keep in mind this is a statewide change: CDCR awarded the new contract to Securus and kept an interim agreement with ViaPath during the transition, so timing and availability can vary as the rollout moves facility by facility.
- ✓ Treat ViaPath photos, e‑messages, and purchased media as non‑transferable and save what you can before VSP transitions.
- ✓ If you have unused funds on your ViaPath family account, request a refund through the ViaPath call center.
- ✓ Expect remaining incarcerated ViaPath balances to be refunded automatically to your loved one’s trust account (no separate request needed).
Plan for the device swap. During the transition, incarcerated people turn in their ViaPath tablet and receive a new Securus tablet. Expect a short adjustment period - and possible service hiccups along the way.
Transfers can complicate things. The platform depends on the facility - if your loved one moves to a prison still using ViaPath, you'll need to switch back to ViaPath until that facility transitions. The tablet exchange happens when the institution switches: people turn in the ViaPath tablet and receive a Securus tablet at that point.
Verify first: CDCR says transition dates are tentative, and intermittent outages can happen during the changeover. Before requesting refunds or changing your communication setup, confirm the timing - you don't want to get stuck mid-switch.
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