Penmate Inmate Support Guides

Why You Can't Mail Packages to Folsom: How California's Approved Vendor System Works

Trying to send a care package to someone at Folsom? Here's the catch: you can't mail quarterly packages directly. California state prisons require those packages to come through approved vendors.

• 2 min read • cdcr.ca.gov
Why You Can't Mail Packages to Folsom: How California's Approved Vendor System Works

Family members can't mail quarterly packages directly to people at Folsom or any other California state prison. The rule is straightforward: quarterly packages must come through authorized vendors. Mail a package yourself, and it won't make it through - no matter how well-intentioned.

California runs an

Note: CDCR is not affiliated with approved vendors and doesn’t guarantee a vendor’s products, performance, or even that the business will remain open. Any purchase you make through a vendor is at the buyer’s risk.

Why You Can't Mail Packages to Folsom: How California's Approved Vendor System Works

If you’re trying to confirm how the vendor process works - or you’re a business looking to become a Quarterly Package Vendor - CDCR directs inquiries to Lt. Victor Espinoza at Victor.Espinoza@cdcr.ca.gov.

If your question is specifically about religious items and the Incarcerated Persons Religious Vendor Package Program, CDCR provides a separate contact email: m_DAIReligiousPOU@cdcr.ca.gov.

Restitution trips up a lot of families. CDCR states that any funds sent to an inmate are subject to restitution as ordered by the sentencing court. So money you deposit into someone's account may be affected by restitution rules tied to their case.

Here's where it gets interesting: CDCR's guidance also says that families who purchase packages directly from a vendor are not impacted by restitution. That suggests buying through a vendor may be treated differently than depositing funds.

Heads up: CDCR's guidance includes both statements - funds sent to an inmate are subject to restitution, but vendor purchases may not be. This could affect your decision. Verify how it applies to your situation with the facility, or get legal advice before spending money you can't afford to lose.

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  • ✓ Confirm you’re ordering through a CDCR-approved quarterly package vendor (not mailing a box yourself)
  • ✓ Read the vendor’s terms carefully, since CDCR doesn’t guarantee the vendor’s products or performance and purchases are at the buyer’s risk
  • ✓ Ask the vendor exactly what information they need to place the order and deliver it through the approved channel

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