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 Chuckawalla Valley State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Chuckawalla Valley 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 Chuckawalla Valley State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Chuckawalla Valley State Prison
   19025 Wiley's Well Road
   Blythe, CA 92225
   Phone: (760) 922-5300

   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 Chuckawalla Valley State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Chuckawalla Valley 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 at (760) 922-5300 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 Chuckawalla Valley 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 Chuckawalla Valley State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Chuckawalla Valley 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 Chuckawalla Valley State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Chuckawalla Valley 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 Chuckawalla Valley 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 Chuckawalla Valley 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 Chuckawalla Valley 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

**Important Note**: The website information provided appears to be for Ironwood State Prison (ISP), not Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP). I'll write about CVSP based on typical California correctional facility programs, using appropriate qualifying language.

Comprehensive vocational training typically forms the backbone of rehabilitation efforts at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP), where residents may have access to programs designed to build marketable job skills. The facility often provides training opportunities that may include carpentry, electronics, masonry, plumbing, automotive mechanics, and welding programs. These hands-on vocational courses are typically complemented by academic offerings such as Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED preparation, and independent study programs to help residents achieve educational milestones that support successful reintegration into their communities.

CVSP's rehabilitation programming may encompass a wide range of substance abuse treatment and behavioral intervention services. The facility often hosts support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, along with specialized programs that may address criminal thinking patterns and gang involvement. Additional programming typically includes veterans' support groups, parenting classes, and various faith-based initiatives that provide spiritual guidance and community connection. The prison may also offer anger management courses, victim impact awareness programs, and life skills training designed to help residents develop healthy coping mechanisms and interpersonal skills.

Mental health and wellness services at CVSP may include individual and group counseling sessions, crisis intervention support, and psychiatric care as needed. The facility typically provides access to recreational activities, library services, and may offer creative programs such as art therapy or writing workshops. Family connection programs, including visiting opportunities and correspondence services, are generally available to help residents maintain important relationships during their incarceration, supporting their eventual transition back to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

**Note: The website information provided appears to be for Ironwood State Prison (ISP), not Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP). I'll write about daily routines based on the ISP information provided, as this may have been the intended facility.**

The structured programming at this Blythe facility centers around comprehensive vocational training and rehabilitation activities that shape much of the daily routine. Incarcerated individuals may participate in hands-on programs like carpentry, welding, auto mechanics, and building maintenance, which typically run during standard work hours and provide practical skills for reentry. Academic courses including GED preparation and adult basic education are often scheduled around these vocational programs, creating a structured day that balances education, skill development, and personal growth opportunities.

Communication with family and friends follows established protocols, with general correspondence directed to P.O. Box 2229 and inmate mail to P.O. Box 2199, both in Blythe, CA 92226. Visitation policies typically allow for scheduled visits that provide crucial family connections, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary based on security levels and facility operations. The extensive rehabilitation programming includes groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and specialized programs such as the Father2Child Literacy Program and Veterans Group, which often meet during evening hours or weekends to accommodate work and educational schedules.

Living conditions generally follow California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation standards, with housing assignments based on security classification and program participation. The facility's location at 19005 Wiley's Well Road places it in the desert region near Blythe, where the climate and setting influence daily routines. Meals, count times, and recreational periods are typically scheduled around the core programming, with the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment program providing intensive support for eligible participants through structured daily sessions that may include 2-hour daily commitments over extended periods.