CDCR switching from ViaPath to Securus: what families should do now

CDCR is moving its communication services from ViaPath to Securus. Your existing setup may not carry over automatically, so CDCR is asking families to prepare before their loved one's facility switches. The change is expected to bring lower costs for calls and e-messages. Timing varies by facility, so check CDCR's family resources page for the rollout schedule and FAQs specific to your location.

Set up your Securus account before your loved one's facility transitions. CDCR is clear about this, and getting it done early means you won't be scrambling if services switch while you're still figuring out login details. Follow CDCR's family resources instructions when signing up. Look for any facility-specific notes about timing or the information you'll need to link your account to your loved one.

Don't guess when your facility switches. CDCR's official family resources page has the rollout schedule and FAQs. That's the best place to confirm when your loved one's location moves from ViaPath to Securus. Once you find your facility on the schedule, read the FAQs for details about what changes on transition day. Then plan your account setup and any balance cleanup around that timeline.

1. Open CDCR’s family resources page: Look for the section covering the ViaPath to Securus transition.
2. Find your loved one’s facility: Use the published rollout schedule to locate the right institution.
3. Write down the transition date and key FAQs: Keep them handy so you know what should work, and when.
4. Follow the facility-specific instructions: Use what CDCR posts for that date so you do not miss a required step.

CDCR says the transition should bring lower costs for calls and e-messages. That's good news, but what you'll actually pay depends on the pricing once your loved one's facility goes live on Securus. After your facility's transition date is posted, review the Securus pricing information for CDCR accounts. That way you can decide how much to add and avoid surprises during the changeover.

Have unused funds in a ViaPath account? CDCR says refund requests are available through ViaPath's help website. If you want your money back, start the process early so you're not sorting it out right as your loved one's facility transitions. Refund processing takes time. Use the CDCR rollout schedule to pick a sensible window for requesting your refund.

1. Go to ViaPath’s help website: Look for the refund information for unused balances.
2. Submit the refund request: Follow ViaPath’s instructions and provide what they ask for.
3. Build in processing time: Try to do this well before your facility’s published transition date.
4. Re-check CDCR’s transition FAQs: If CDCR posts timing guidance, use it to plan your refund and account setup.

Checklist

• ✓ Create your Securus account before your loved one’s facility transitions (use CDCR’s family resources guidance for any facility notes).
• ✓ Confirm your facility’s rollout date and read the transition FAQs on CDCR’s family resources page.
• ✓ If you have unused ViaPath funds, consider requesting a refund through ViaPath’s help website and do it with enough time before the switch.

For official updates, use CDCR's family resources page. That's where CDCR posts the rollout schedule and FAQs with the most current transition information by facility. For unused ViaPath balances, use ViaPath's help website to request refunds. Stick to those two sources when making decisions about timing, accounts, and balances.