How to send messages, photos, and packages
Staying in touch with someone at Kern Valley State Prison is straightforward once you know which services need an account. Phone calls? No account required—you can receive free calls without setting anything up. Video visits and electronic messaging are different; you'll need an account once those services become available. For video, Kern Valley uses Securus Video Connect, a web-based system that lets family, friends, attorneys, and officials schedule and join sessions from anywhere. Securus recommends creating an account and using the AdvanceConnect option in the app to add prepaid funds. One thing to keep in mind: California is switching communications providers statewide, so the platform in use depends on where Kern Valley is in that transition.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
No. You do not need an online account to receive free telephone calls from Kern Valley State Prison.
Kern Valley uses Securus Video Connect to schedule and join web-based video sessions. Securus recommends opening a Securus account and using the AdvanceConnect option in the app to add funds for prepaid video calls.
California is switching communications providers statewide, and some institutions stay on their previous platform until their site transition is complete. Use whichever platform Kern Valley supports at the time.
Kern Valley State Prison switched telephone service on 3/23, with tablets transitioning between 3/24–3/27. If you had money in a ViaPath balance during that changeover, you may be able to get it back. What happens next depends on whether the balance was on your loved one's incarcerated account or on a family account.
If your loved one is housed in a CDCR facility, phone calls are typically the easiest starting point. Video calls and electronic messaging can come later, once those services are available at their location.
GTL VisitMe is how you schedule visits with someone at Kern Valley State Prison. Once you sign in, pick a date, time, and location that works for you. Your visit gets confirmed right away. This guide covers the account setup and scheduling steps so you can lock in a reservation without any guesswork.
