How to Switch from ViaPath to Securus (CDCR): Create Your Securus Account Before the Change

Starting in September, CDCR facilities will begin rolling out telephone calls, video calls, and electronic messages through Securus instead of ViaPath. Why does this matter to you? CDCR expects lower costs for calls and e-messages, and families are being told to create a Securus account before their loved one's facility transitions.

If phone calls are all you need, here's the good news: you do not need an online Securus account to receive free telephone calls.

Want more than phone calls? Then plan on setting up an account. You'll need one to receive video calls and electronic messages once those services go live at your loved one's facility.

Create Account Prep

• ✓ Access to the Securus mobile app or the Securus website so you can create your account before the facility transitions
• ✓ The basic info you normally use to set up an online account (for example, an email address)
• ✓ If you plan to use prepaid video calling, a way to add funds once video is available

CDCR's transition notice is clear on the most important step: create your Securus account before your loved one's facility switches over. You can do this through the Securus app or on the Securus website. Once that's done, you'll be ready when video calling and e-messaging roll out.

Planning to receive video calls? Funding and setup are part of being ready. Securus directs families to use AdvanceConnect in the Securus app to set up and add funds for prepaid video calls.

1. Open Video Connect in the Securus app - This is where you register for video calling.
2. Register and select “Permitir videollamadas” (Allow video calls) - This enables receiving video calls once the service is available for your loved one’s facility.

Before Switch Checklist

• ✓ Create your Securus account before your loved one’s facility transitions
• ✓ If you expect to use video calls, set up AdvanceConnect and add funds for prepaid video calling
• ✓ If you have unused ViaPath balances, request a refund through ViaPath’s help page

The account step is the big one. CDCR is moving communications from ViaPath to Securus, and families are being told to get set up on Securus before the facility change happens. If you plan to do video, AdvanceConnect is the piece Securus points to for prepaid video calling. And if you still have money sitting in ViaPath from before the transition, CDCR's transition notice says refund requests for unused ViaPath balances are available through ViaPath's website help area.

For the rollout schedule, tablet timelines, and cost details, Securus directs families to the CDCR tablets webpage. That page is also the best place to confirm what's available at your loved one's specific facility as the transition happens.