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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare 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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare.

Frequently asked questions about San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare

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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare?

   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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare?

   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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare. 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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare. 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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare?

   Mailing address:

   San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare
   2291 W March Ln
   Stockton, CA 95207
   Phone: (209) 662-6073 ext. 0

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
   • 1:00 – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare?

   Visiting hours at San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare 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 (209) 662-6073 ext. 0 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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare?

   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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare?

   You can send money to an inmate at San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare 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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare, 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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare?

   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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare 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 San Joaquin Valley Veterans- Westcare, 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 Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) at CCTRP - Santa Fe Springs operates as a voluntary, phased rehabilitation initiative designed specifically for eligible female participants nearing the end of their sentences. This community-based program, facilitated by the Division of Rehabilitative Programs, focuses on providing gender-responsive services that address individual needs through comprehensive assessments. Participants may access guidance and support services, family reunification assistance, community resource connections, educational opportunities, employment preparation, healthcare services, recovery groups, and housing assistance upon release. The program’s phased structure allows participants to earn additional privileges as they successfully complete each stage of their rehabilitation journey.

Educational and vocational programming at the facility may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and job readiness training to help participants develop marketable skills for successful community reintegration. The facility typically offers various counseling services, which may encompass substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and cognitive behavioral programming designed to address criminogenic thinking patterns. Recovery groups and peer support networks often play a central role in helping participants maintain sobriety and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Support services at CCTRP - Santa Fe Springs may extend to case management assistance, where participants work with staff to develop individualized reentry plans addressing housing, employment, and ongoing treatment needs. The facility may also provide access to community partnerships that help participants connect with local resources, healthcare providers, and social services. These comprehensive rehabilitative services work together to support the program’s primary goal of reducing recidivism while helping participants successfully transition back into their communities with the tools and support systems necessary for long-term success.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Female Community Reentry Program operates through a structured phased approach where participants begin with individualized assessments that shape their daily experiences. Each woman’s schedule is built around the specific needs identified during her evaluation, with programming focused on essential reentry skills including education, employment preparation, and family reunification support.

Participants in the Los Angeles County locations, including the Santa Fe Springs area, typically engage in a variety of community-based activities as they progress through program phases. Daily routines may include attending recovery groups, participating in job readiness training, accessing healthcare services, and working with case managers to secure housing for their eventual release. The program’s gender-responsive design means activities are tailored to address the comprehensive challenges women face during reentry, with emphasis on rebuilding family connections and developing sustainable community ties.

As women successfully complete each phase of the program, they often receive additional privileges that may include expanded community access, increased family contact opportunities, and greater independence in daily decision-making. The phased structure allows participants to gradually transition from more supervised activities to increased personal responsibility, helping prepare them for successful reintegration. Communication with family members and loved ones is typically facilitated through various means, supporting the program’s goal of family reunification while participants serve the remainder of their sentences in this community-based setting rather than in state prison.