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 Pleasant Valley State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Pleasant 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 Pleasant Valley State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Pleasant Valley State Prison
   24863 W Jayne Ave
   Coalinga, CA 93210
   Phone: (559) 935-4900

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Pleasant Valley State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Pleasant 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 (559) 935-4900 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 Pleasant 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 Pleasant Valley State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

The Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program at Valley State Prison represents a comprehensive approach to addressing addiction and behavioral challenges among incarcerated individuals. This evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) program identifies residents at risk for substance-use disorder related harms and provides targeted treatment designed to reduce the risk of overdose and other complications. The treatment framework may include behavioral interventions or Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) as clinically indicated, helping participants understand the thoughts and feelings that influence their behaviors while learning to identify and change destructive thought patterns.

Beyond substance abuse treatment, Valley State Prison typically offers a range of educational and vocational programs designed to support successful reentry into the community. These may include adult basic education classes, GED preparation, and various vocational training opportunities that provide marketable skills for post-release employment. The facility often provides counseling services, mental health support, and anger management programs as part of its rehabilitative approach. Library services, religious programs, and recreational activities are commonly available to support the overall well-being of residents.

Support services at the facility may include family reunification programs, pre-release planning assistance, and connections to community resources. The institution typically maintains visiting programs that help incarcerated individuals maintain important family and community relationships during their time of incarceration. These comprehensive services work together to address the multiple factors that contribute to successful rehabilitation and community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California, incarcerated individuals follow structured routines that typically begin before dawn with morning counts and preparation for the day ahead. The facility operates multiple mailing systems to maintain family connections, with separate post office boxes designated for general correspondence (P.O. Box 92), legal mail (P.O. Box 96), and financial support through Moneygram services (P.O. Box 94). This organized communication system reflects how the institution balances security protocols with the important need for inmates to stay connected with their support networks on the outside.

Programming forms a significant component of daily activities, with the facility offering Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) as part of its comprehensive rehabilitation approach. This evidence-based program utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Interventions to help participants understand how thoughts and feelings influence behaviors, providing both behavioral interventions and Medication Assisted Treatment when clinically appropriate. Inmates participating in these programs may spend several hours each day in group sessions, individual counseling, or educational components designed to address substance use disorders and reduce recidivism risk.

The structured environment typically includes designated times for meals, work assignments, educational opportunities, recreation, and personal time within housing units. Visitation policies allow family members and approved visitors to maintain relationships through scheduled visits, following the institution's specific guidelines and security procedures. Between programming, work duties, and personal time for correspondence or reading, residents navigate a routine designed to provide structure while offering opportunities for personal growth and maintaining connections with the outside community.