What Happens After Sugar Pine’s Switch to Securus Tablets
If your loved one is at Sugar Pine Conservation Camp, tablet communication now runs through Securus instead of ViaPath. Here's what changed, what won't carry over, and how to stay connected.
Sugar Pine Conservation Camp (a Fire Camp) has completed its switch to Securus tablets. The bottom line: families now need to use Securus to communicate with anyone housed there. If you've been using ViaPath for Sugar Pine, it's time to make the switch.
The tablet swap happens inside the facility. Incarcerated people turn in their ViaPath tablet and get a new Securus tablet in exchange. If your messages or photos suddenly aren't going through, this is probably why - you're now dealing with a different platform and device.
After the transition, Securus is the platform to use for Sugar Pine communication. One thing that trips people up: if your loved one transfers to a facility still on ViaPath, you'll need to switch back until that location transitions too. The right app depends on where they're housed now, not where they were before.
Some things don't carry over, and this is one of the harder parts. Photos, e-messages, and media purchased through ViaPath can't be moved to the new Securus tablets at Sugar Pine. If you've built up years of messages or sent lots of pictures, that can feel like a real loss. Assume anything stored in ViaPath will stay there - it won't follow your loved one to the new device.
If you have money sitting in a ViaPath account you used for Sugar Pine, refunds depend on whose balance it is. Families need to request refunds for their own unused balances through the ViaPath call center. Balances belonging to the incarcerated person are handled automatically - those funds get refunded to their trust account without you having to do anything.
Reminder: If you have unused money in your own ViaPath balance, you’ll need to request that refund through ViaPath. And if there’s ViaPath content you don’t want to lose access to (photos, e-messages, purchased media), save what you can - those items won’t transfer to Securus.
Next Steps
- ✓ Confirm your loved one is currently at Sugar Pine Conservation Camp (Fire Camps have transitioned to Securus tablets)
- ✓ Use Securus for Sugar Pine communications going forward (and be ready to switch back to ViaPath if they transfer to a ViaPath facility)
- ✓ If you have unused funds in a ViaPath family account, request a refund through the ViaPath call center
- ✓ If you plan to video visit, set up Securus Video Connect access so you’re ready when a session is available
For video sessions, Securus Video Connect lets you schedule and join visits using the free Securus app, a computer, or a tablet. Availability and scheduling rules can change, so check official CDCR and Securus information for current instructions before booking.
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