How to send messages, photos, and packages
Growlersburg Conservation Camp is transitioning from ViaPath to Securus under CDCR's new statewide telecommunications contract. Until the switch is complete, incarcerated people will keep using ViaPath. Once the transition happens, they'll need to exchange their ViaPath tablet for a new Securus tablet. Any ViaPath-purchased content—photos, e-messages, and media—won't transfer over. CDCR's cost comparison shows lower rates with Securus: video calls drop to $0.10 per minute (from $0.16), and phone calls drop to $0.016 per minute (from $0.019). Free video time also increases from 15 minutes per two weeks to 30 minutes per month. Families can request refunds for unused ViaPath balances through the ViaPath call center. Incarcerated balances get refunded to trust accounts automatically.
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Worried about photos or message history during Growlersburg's move from ViaPath to Securus? Here's the bottom line: purchased ViaPath content doesn't transfer. But you can still take steps now to sort out unused balances and refunds.
Securus recommends opening an account now. You don't need one for free phone calls, but you do for video calls and electronic messaging. Use AdvanceConnect to add funds and Video Connect to schedule and receive video sessions.
After the switch, CDCR’s cost chart lists Securus video calls at $0.10 per minute and phone calls at $0.016 per minute. The same chart lists e‑messages at $0.03 with Securus (compared with $0.05 with ViaPath).
ViaPath purchases (including photos, e‑messages, and media) won’t transfer to the new Securus tablets. If you have unused ViaPath balances, you can request a refund through the ViaPath call center, and incarcerated balances will be refunded automatically to trust accounts.
No. Quarterly packages can’t be sent directly to inmates at Growlersburg Conservation Camp; they must be purchased through authorized private vendors with CDCR approval.
CDCR says it isn’t affiliated with approved vendors and doesn’t guarantee their performance or products. Vendor problems are handled between you and the vendor, since purchases are at the buyer’s sole risk.
All incoming mail is inspected for contraband, and legal mail gets special handling so it isn't read during those checks. Address standard mail with the inmate's full booked name and required identifier, plus your printed return name and address. Skip prohibited items like layered cards, glitter, or oversized/Polaroid photos.
Got money sitting in a ViaPath balance from before Growlersburg switched vendors? You can get it back. Here's how to confirm the transition applies and request your refund.
Growlersburg Conservation Camp uses Securus for communications. Setting up your Securus account now means you'll be ready when video visits become available.
Trying to budget for staying in touch? The key number is the per-minute video rate—and it dropped after Growlersburg switched to Securus. Here's what CDCR's cost chart shows, plus a simple way to estimate your monthly total.
