Mail, photos, messaging, and phone/call options for staying in touch.
CDCR is moving institutions from ViaPath to Securus. Once Chowchilla State Prison transitions, you'll use Securus for all communications. Check the rollout schedule for tentative dates and expect possible outages during the switch. The good news: video visits drop to $0.10 per minute (from $0.16), and e-messages go from $0.05 to $0.03. Free monthly allowances also jump to 30 minutes of video and 20 e-messages. During the transition, incarcerated people turn in ViaPath tablets and receive Securus tablets. Photos, e-messages, and other media purchased on ViaPath won't transfer. If you have unused ViaPath funds, request a refund through ViaPath's call center. Incarcerated balances get refunded automatically. To use Securus video, you'll need to register and add funds.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
If your loved one is in a CDCR facility, here's the key thing to know: communication services are changing. Getting set up early will save you time once the transition reaches your person's facility.
If your loved one is at Valley State Prison (Chowchilla), you can't mail a care package directly to them like you would to someone on the outside. CDCR's quarterly package program works through approved private vendors instead. You place an order with an authorized vendor, and they handle the shipment under CDCR's rules.
For questions about Valley State Prison (Chowchilla)âincluding whatâs changing with tablets and services during the Securus rolloutâcall the main line at (559) 665-6100.
Rates drop under Securus: video calls cost $0.10 per minute instead of $0.16, and e-messages fall from $0.05 to $0.03.
Noâphotos, e-messages, and other media purchased through ViaPath wonât transfer to the new Securus tablets. If you have unused ViaPath funds, you can request a refund through ViaPathâs call center; incarcerated account balances are refunded automatically.
Register and add prepaid funds using AdvanceConnect (or the department's communications app), then enable video calling for Video Connect. Securus Video Connect is web-basedâyou can schedule and join sessions from an app, computer, or tablet.
CDCR uses an online scheduling site that lets you reserve your visitation time instead of waiting in long lines. Once you're signed in, you can pick the date, time, and location that works for you. Visits are confirmed instantly. That quick turnaround takes real stress out of planning, especially when you're juggling travel, childcare, or time off work.
If your loved one's facility is switching service providers, you'll need to set up the right account and handle any leftover balance from the old provider.
Valley State Prison is switching from ViaPath to Securus as part of CDCR's rollout. Set up your Securus account and Video Connect now, and you'll be ready to accept video visits the moment the switch goes live.
