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"Thank You Ladies"
You can bring in $50 per adult and $20 per child! Remember, dollar bills and quarters only.
If you'd like to see what a Visiting Application looks like, you can see a copy here: Go To Visiting FORM
Never visited before? Scroll down. Do you have a visiting approval on file? Read this message about UPDATING your approval....
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DON'T FORGET TO UPDATE YOUR VISITING FORMS!
CDCR is implementing the Right Mission, Right Prison program. There are numerous prisoners transferred throughout the state. Often a visitor will find when they visit the new prison they run into an obstacle because the approved visiting form needs to be renewed. Title 15, Section 3172.1 (g) States “ Any visitor approved for visiting at one institution/facility shall be approved to visit the same inmate upon transfer to another institution/facility provided the visitor's approval status remains unchanged”. Some institutions will require the renewal to verify nothing has changed. Title 15, Section 3172 (e) States “…This information is subject to periodic review by designated staff. Any change in the visitor's name, address, telephone number, or arrest history must be reported and may require submission of an updated questionnaire in order to retain the status of an approved visitor.” Again, upon transfer the new facility might require that visitor form be updated to verify that nothing has changed. Outdated visiting approvals...If it has been more than two years since you applied to visit, request to update your visiting form. The visitor should be allowed to update their visiting form and still be allowed to visit that day. REMEMBER... outstanding warrants and outstanding warrants for failure to appear for a traffic violation WILL cause your application to be denied. Title 15 does NOT state that you must renew the application every 2 years. It says that your application may be reviewed or that you may be asked to renew your application. Please, you need to be 'proactive', due to all the transfers... and staff is not always aware of Title 15 rules. Many believe that you are supposed to renew every two years... So if you have not renewed lately, and the new prison operates under 2 year renewal plan, you could be denied a visit until your renewal form is approved. |
OR... Go To VISITING FORM
| NOTICE: AS OF 03/04/2007 "A-YARD / AD-SEG SHU" VISITING IS NOW ON SUNDAYS! | CHOWCHILLA EXPRESS is a service that transports families to the Chowchilla prisons. Check out this link! www.familyexpress.us | VISITING APPOINTMENTS! You can call ahead to get appointments to visit. Check the new VSPW Visiting Guidelines, 2009 (pdf file) or our 'Notes' page at Visiting Notes 2009 |
Click here for info!
Information About Visiting at ALL Prisons
If you are already approved and are visiting this weekend, check with the STATEWIDE VISITING HOTLINE to make sure the prison is open for visits. Call:
1-800-374-8474
There is a Visitor's Handbook!
When you apply for Visiting, and get approved, your prison's Visiting Department gives your inmate a booklet. Your inmate will send this booklet of information to you (remember, your inmate has to pay for the postage, so be sure to send some to him or her!). You don't have to wait to get the Visiting booklet. If you would like a copy right now, it is available on the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website. It is a PDF file. Use this link to go to the page where the Visiting booklet is posted. It is called "Guidelines for Visitors to Adult Prisons".
To get a copy of the CDCR PDF file, Go To "Guidelines for Visitors to Adult Prisons" halfway down the CDCR page ---
When you apply for Visiting, and get approved, your prison's Visiting Department gives your inmate a booklet. Your inmate will send this booklet of information to you (remember, your inmate has to pay for the postage, so be sure to send some to him or her!). You don't have to wait to get the Visiting booklet. If you would like a copy right now, it is available on the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website. It is a PDF file. Use this link to go to the page where the Visiting booklet is posted. It is called "Guidelines for Visitors to Adult Prisons".
To get a copy of the CDCR PDF file, Go To "Guidelines for Visitors to Adult Prisons" halfway down the CDCR page ---
CDCR's Visitors Handbook
Or scroll down for our IFC version, which gives you 'their' information PLUS ours!
Or scroll down for our IFC version, which gives you 'their' information PLUS ours!
Visiting at VSPW is:
Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 3:00pm
You can call the Visiting Office at 559-665-6100, ext. 5708 with questions.
You can call the Visiting Office for an APPOINTMENT to VISIT at:
(559) 665-6100, extension 5710, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday ONLY between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Check out our Visiting Appointment Notes 2009 for notes on the new VSPW Visiting Appointment System.
We have posted the materials from the Inmate Visitor Handbook Rules and Regulations for Valley State Prison for Women here. There are many details that need to be followed and are explained within. If you have questions, please contact your IFC representative, the webmaster for this site, or your Visiting Office at your prison.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
INMATE VISITOR HANDBOOK RULES AND REGULATIONS
Valley State Prison for Women
Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 3:00pm
You can call the Visiting Office at 559-665-6100, ext. 5708 with questions.
You can call the Visiting Office for an APPOINTMENT to VISIT at:
(559) 665-6100, extension 5710, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday ONLY between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Check out our Visiting Appointment Notes 2009 for notes on the new VSPW Visiting Appointment System.
We have posted the materials from the Inmate Visitor Handbook Rules and Regulations for Valley State Prison for Women here. There are many details that need to be followed and are explained within. If you have questions, please contact your IFC representative, the webmaster for this site, or your Visiting Office at your prison.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
INMATE VISITOR HANDBOOK RULES AND REGULATIONS
Valley State Prison for Women
The California Department of Corrections (CDC) Visiting Program is intended as an avenue to develop and maintain healthy family and community relationships. I hope that your visiting experience with CDC is enjoyable. Enclosed within these rules are some expectations and practices that all visitors should know. These rules may appear restrictive, but they are intended to ensure the continued safety and security of the institution, staff, visitors and inmates.
GENERAL VISITING INFORMATION
All visitors should be aware that CDC does not negotiate for release of hostages to affect an escape or for any other reason. To protect visitors, especially children, visitors are cautioned to stay away from the perimeter fence line ( electric fence ). Your children must be with you and under your control at all times. If you require further detailed information, please call 1-800-374-8474, or the Visiting Sergeant at 559-665-6100, ext. 5708.
It Is A Crime To:
Assist an inmate to escape.....Bring onto the grounds any weapon, firearm, ammunition, explosive device, tear gas, pepper-spray, alcohol or controlled substance, cameras and/or recording documents to or from an inmate...... You may not falsely identify yourself to gain admission to the institution.......Enter prison grounds without the permission of the Warden if you have previously been convicted of a felony.
Application Process
The inmate must initiate all Visiting Questionnaires (CDC 106). They must be completed and returned to the Visiting Sergeant, by mail. The Visiting staff must approve the application before the prospective visitor may visit. Failure to provide all requested information or failure to disclose complete arrest history, may result in the denial of the visiting application. Applications are to be updated, by the visitor, on a yearly basis.
The Visiting Office is not able to advise you of your approval or disapproval status, via telephone. It is the inmate's responsibility to notify you. However, if you are denied, you will be sent a computerized form stating the reason for your denial.
Non-Contact Visits
Non-Contact visits are held in glass, non-contact booths. The number of visitors is limited to no more than three persons, including children. The visits are a maximum of two hours in length.
On Grounds
You may not be on grounds earlier than forty-five minutes prior to the start of regular visiting. All vehicles must be secured. No animals may be brought on grounds.
**Administrative Segregation Unit/Security Housing Unit /(ASU/SU/Reception Visiting Schedules have changed!
Starting on March 11, 2007,Visiting will be on "SUNDAYS ONLY" from 1000- 1200 hours. No appointment is necessary. You need not stand in the regular visiting line. At approximately 0945 hours, all visitors for this type of visiting will be called to the counter for special processing.
Regular Visiting Schedules
GENERAL VISITING INFORMATION
All visitors should be aware that CDC does not negotiate for release of hostages to affect an escape or for any other reason. To protect visitors, especially children, visitors are cautioned to stay away from the perimeter fence line ( electric fence ). Your children must be with you and under your control at all times. If you require further detailed information, please call 1-800-374-8474, or the Visiting Sergeant at 559-665-6100, ext. 5708.
It Is A Crime To:
Assist an inmate to escape.....Bring onto the grounds any weapon, firearm, ammunition, explosive device, tear gas, pepper-spray, alcohol or controlled substance, cameras and/or recording documents to or from an inmate...... You may not falsely identify yourself to gain admission to the institution.......Enter prison grounds without the permission of the Warden if you have previously been convicted of a felony.
Application Process
The inmate must initiate all Visiting Questionnaires (CDC 106). They must be completed and returned to the Visiting Sergeant, by mail. The Visiting staff must approve the application before the prospective visitor may visit. Failure to provide all requested information or failure to disclose complete arrest history, may result in the denial of the visiting application. Applications are to be updated, by the visitor, on a yearly basis.
The Visiting Office is not able to advise you of your approval or disapproval status, via telephone. It is the inmate's responsibility to notify you. However, if you are denied, you will be sent a computerized form stating the reason for your denial.
Non-Contact Visits
Non-Contact visits are held in glass, non-contact booths. The number of visitors is limited to no more than three persons, including children. The visits are a maximum of two hours in length.
On Grounds
You may not be on grounds earlier than forty-five minutes prior to the start of regular visiting. All vehicles must be secured. No animals may be brought on grounds.
**Administrative Segregation Unit/Security Housing Unit /(ASU/SU/Reception Visiting Schedules have changed!
Starting on March 11, 2007,Visiting will be on "SUNDAYS ONLY" from 1000- 1200 hours. No appointment is necessary. You need not stand in the regular visiting line. At approximately 0945 hours, all visitors for this type of visiting will be called to the counter for special processing.
Regular Visiting Schedules
Saturday and Sunday ONLY
Hours: 9:00am through 3:00pm
No more than five people, including children, will be allowed to visit an inmate at one time
Hours: 9:00am through 3:00pm
No more than five people, including children, will be allowed to visit an inmate at one time
Visiting Appointments
1. Arrival onto Institutional grounds to draw a number for Walk-in visits is at 0600 hours on Saturday and Sunday.
2. Walk-in Visitor processing begins at 0915 hours. Visitors without appointments can return to institutional grounds at 0900 hours.
3. Visitor processing ends as 1400 hours.
4. Visitors can sign up for an appointment in the Foyer located in the General Population Visiting. The visitors can schedule the appointment at this desk for up to two (2) weeks in advance.
5. Phone in appointments can be made for up to four (4) weeks in advance by calling 559-665-6100, extension 5710 between the hours of 1300 and 1500 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
6. There will be three (3), fifteen (15) minute time slots availabel each containing eighteen (18) inmate names for the following times: 0830, 0845 and 0900 hours.
7. When there are no visitors with an appointment waiting to be processed; visitors without an appointment will be processed into Visiting.
8. Visitors who are more than fifteen (15) minutes late, without notifying Visiting, will be placed on Walk-in status for that day.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 1300 to 1500 hours, approved visitors may call in to schedule appointments for up to four (4) weeks in advance. The appointment telephone number is 559-665-6100, extension #5710. The appointments are filled in as they are received. If all appointments are filled in for that date, Visitors will then be on a Walk-in basis. It is expected that Visitors utilizing the appointment system will be properly attired and have required documents with them.
"Holiday" Visiting Schedules
The Department recognizes five major holidays in which visiting will be held even if it is not a regularly scheduled visiting day. HOWEVER, if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, no additional days will be added. For instance, if Christmas Day is on Saturday, the prison will NOT provide visiting on Friday. The five holidays are:
New Year's Day (January 1st)
July 4th (Independence Day)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Regular visiting hours, for the above listed holidays, are ALWAYS 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
ASU/SHU/Reception holiday visiting hours, for the above listed holidays, remain 10:00 a.m. to Noon.
Children and Minors
Minors are only allowed to visit when they are accompanied by an approved visitor such as a parent, a court appointed legal guardian, or they have written notarized permission to visit from the child's parent or legal guardian and an original "Certified Birth Certificate" or an original embossed " Abstract of Birth".
The ceremonial copy issued by the hospital is not sufficient for visiting after 60 days.
If the inmate's newborn child was born while the inmate was in custody and you were given legal
responsibility, you must present a copy of the "Health Facility Minor Release Report. This report is only valid for 60 days.
Notarized letters must have the notary stamp on the original document; it must not be stapled or attached as an amendment and must be updated each calendar year.
Child victims are not allowed to visit any inmate convicted of a sexual offense against the minor. To protect the minor the adult visitor must provide identification for each child, to prove the visitor is not the victim.
Legal Representative/Attorneys/Social Services
You must make your appointments through the Institution Litigation Coordinator, not through the inmate
Excused Time Off
Excused time off work for a visit may only be used once every 30 days for visitors from more than 250 miles away, who have not visited within the past 30 days, or a visitor from out-of-state who has not visited within the past four months. This must be pre-approved by the inmate work supervisor .
Acceptable Identification
A valid state driver's license with picture (not laminated).
A valid Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Identification Card (ID) with picture. A valid picture passport.
A valid Armed Forces ID with picture.
ID issued by the United States Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Foreign Consular: Consular ID issued by the United States Department of State is an acceptable form of identification.
Foreign Consular: ID noting "Certificado de Matricula Consular".
Note: The new computer paper picture I.D. issued by the DMV with a temporary driver's license are not acceptable forms of identification. The visitor must wait for their new driver's license or use another approved of identification.
Photo Ducats
Photo Ducats are $2.00 each. You may purchase up to 13 ducats. Please have exact amount, we cannot make change for you. The inmate may take three picture ducat photos back from the visit
Search Requirements/Metal Detector
All visitors must successfully pass through the metal detector to enter the visiting area. Any items that may set off the metal detector, e.g., hairclips, hairpins, jewelry, belts, suspenders, shoes, etc. are to be removed prior to passing through the metal detector. If the visitor cannot successfully pass through, the visitor will be subject to delay or denial of visitation. You must wear a brassiere. Under wire bras will set off the metal detector and are not allowed. If you have metal implants or prosthesis, your doctor's note is required every time you visit.
Visiting Room Procedures
Each visitor and inmate is responsible for his or her own conduct while visiting. Violation of the rules may result in termination, restriction, suspension or denial of visits. Additionally, disciplinary charges may be filed against the inmate. An inmate and her visitor are allowed to embrace and kiss at the beginning and at the end of the visit. Holding hands on top of the table, in plain view is permitted. No other physical contact is allowed. Excessive contact, such as kissing, massaging, stroking, touching parts of the body, including the face, sitting with legs intertwined or sitting on laps are not permitted and could be cause for termination. Inmates may not receive any gifts, money, jewelry or documents during a visit. Visitors may purchase food for the inmate and themselves to consume during the visit.
Visitor Attire
It is recommended that visitors dress conservatively and with the following guidelines in mind. Inappropriate attire will be reason to deny a visit. Any alteration to clothing once a visitor is inside the visiting area will be grounds for terminating the visit. The Visiting Office cannot hold your prohibited items while you visit.
Prohibited Items/Prohibited Clothing
No Clothing which in any combination of shades or types of material/fabric, resembles California State-issued inmate clothing, blue denim or chambray shirts and blue denim pants. No lime green colors, or orange top over orange pants.
No law enforcement or military-type green pants w/ tan top or camouflage patterned articles of clothing, including rain gear. .No hats, wigs or hairpieces (except with prior written approval of the Visiting Sergeant)
No clothing that exposes the breast/chest area, genital area or buttocks.
No dresses, skirts, pants and shorts exposing more than two inches above the knee, including slits.
No sheer or transparent garments-
No strapless or "spaghetti" straps.
No clothing exposing the midriff area.
No clothing or accessories displaying obscene or offensive language or drawings.
No brassieres with metal underwires or any other detectable metal are not permitted.
No flip-flops or shower slippers. No high-heels. No strapless back shoes.
There is a limit on jewelry! No more than two rings. One set of earrings only. No bracelets.
No Purses (many people use a clear zip-lock baggie)
No Food. All refreshments are to be purchased for the vendor/vending machines located in the visiting room.
No chewing gum.
No cameras.
No pagers.
No cell phones.
No writing materials or books (Unless approved prior to entering the Visiting Room).
Allowable Items
One valid identification (for adults only).
One handkerchief.
One unopened tissue pack.
Clear Change Purse.
$30.00 per adult visitor and $10.00 per child, in Coin or one dollar bills (we do not make change).
One comb or brush.
Two keys on a ring, with no attachments.
Ten photographs (not to be retained by inmate).
One infant carrier with small blanket and one change of baby' s clothes.
Six disposable diapers and factory sealed baby wipes.
Two clear baby bottles of pre-mixed formula/milk/juice, per baby.
One transparent pacifier.
Two jars of factory sealed baby food and one bib.
Nitroglycerin tablets and inhalers (life threatening medication, enough for the day only)
1. Arrival onto Institutional grounds to draw a number for Walk-in visits is at 0600 hours on Saturday and Sunday.
2. Walk-in Visitor processing begins at 0915 hours. Visitors without appointments can return to institutional grounds at 0900 hours.
3. Visitor processing ends as 1400 hours.
4. Visitors can sign up for an appointment in the Foyer located in the General Population Visiting. The visitors can schedule the appointment at this desk for up to two (2) weeks in advance.
5. Phone in appointments can be made for up to four (4) weeks in advance by calling 559-665-6100, extension 5710 between the hours of 1300 and 1500 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
6. There will be three (3), fifteen (15) minute time slots availabel each containing eighteen (18) inmate names for the following times: 0830, 0845 and 0900 hours.
7. When there are no visitors with an appointment waiting to be processed; visitors without an appointment will be processed into Visiting.
8. Visitors who are more than fifteen (15) minutes late, without notifying Visiting, will be placed on Walk-in status for that day.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 1300 to 1500 hours, approved visitors may call in to schedule appointments for up to four (4) weeks in advance. The appointment telephone number is 559-665-6100, extension #5710. The appointments are filled in as they are received. If all appointments are filled in for that date, Visitors will then be on a Walk-in basis. It is expected that Visitors utilizing the appointment system will be properly attired and have required documents with them.
"Holiday" Visiting Schedules
The Department recognizes five major holidays in which visiting will be held even if it is not a regularly scheduled visiting day. HOWEVER, if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, no additional days will be added. For instance, if Christmas Day is on Saturday, the prison will NOT provide visiting on Friday. The five holidays are:
New Year's Day (January 1st)
July 4th (Independence Day)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Regular visiting hours, for the above listed holidays, are ALWAYS 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
ASU/SHU/Reception holiday visiting hours, for the above listed holidays, remain 10:00 a.m. to Noon.
Children and Minors
Minors are only allowed to visit when they are accompanied by an approved visitor such as a parent, a court appointed legal guardian, or they have written notarized permission to visit from the child's parent or legal guardian and an original "Certified Birth Certificate" or an original embossed " Abstract of Birth".
The ceremonial copy issued by the hospital is not sufficient for visiting after 60 days.
If the inmate's newborn child was born while the inmate was in custody and you were given legal
responsibility, you must present a copy of the "Health Facility Minor Release Report. This report is only valid for 60 days.
Notarized letters must have the notary stamp on the original document; it must not be stapled or attached as an amendment and must be updated each calendar year.
Child victims are not allowed to visit any inmate convicted of a sexual offense against the minor. To protect the minor the adult visitor must provide identification for each child, to prove the visitor is not the victim.
Legal Representative/Attorneys/Social Services
You must make your appointments through the Institution Litigation Coordinator, not through the inmate
Excused Time Off
Excused time off work for a visit may only be used once every 30 days for visitors from more than 250 miles away, who have not visited within the past 30 days, or a visitor from out-of-state who has not visited within the past four months. This must be pre-approved by the inmate work supervisor .
Acceptable Identification
A valid state driver's license with picture (not laminated).
A valid Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Identification Card (ID) with picture. A valid picture passport.
A valid Armed Forces ID with picture.
ID issued by the United States Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Foreign Consular: Consular ID issued by the United States Department of State is an acceptable form of identification.
Foreign Consular: ID noting "Certificado de Matricula Consular".
Note: The new computer paper picture I.D. issued by the DMV with a temporary driver's license are not acceptable forms of identification. The visitor must wait for their new driver's license or use another approved of identification.
Photo Ducats
Photo Ducats are $2.00 each. You may purchase up to 13 ducats. Please have exact amount, we cannot make change for you. The inmate may take three picture ducat photos back from the visit
Search Requirements/Metal Detector
All visitors must successfully pass through the metal detector to enter the visiting area. Any items that may set off the metal detector, e.g., hairclips, hairpins, jewelry, belts, suspenders, shoes, etc. are to be removed prior to passing through the metal detector. If the visitor cannot successfully pass through, the visitor will be subject to delay or denial of visitation. You must wear a brassiere. Under wire bras will set off the metal detector and are not allowed. If you have metal implants or prosthesis, your doctor's note is required every time you visit.
Visiting Room Procedures
Each visitor and inmate is responsible for his or her own conduct while visiting. Violation of the rules may result in termination, restriction, suspension or denial of visits. Additionally, disciplinary charges may be filed against the inmate. An inmate and her visitor are allowed to embrace and kiss at the beginning and at the end of the visit. Holding hands on top of the table, in plain view is permitted. No other physical contact is allowed. Excessive contact, such as kissing, massaging, stroking, touching parts of the body, including the face, sitting with legs intertwined or sitting on laps are not permitted and could be cause for termination. Inmates may not receive any gifts, money, jewelry or documents during a visit. Visitors may purchase food for the inmate and themselves to consume during the visit.
Visitor Attire
It is recommended that visitors dress conservatively and with the following guidelines in mind. Inappropriate attire will be reason to deny a visit. Any alteration to clothing once a visitor is inside the visiting area will be grounds for terminating the visit. The Visiting Office cannot hold your prohibited items while you visit.
Prohibited Items/Prohibited Clothing
No Clothing which in any combination of shades or types of material/fabric, resembles California State-issued inmate clothing, blue denim or chambray shirts and blue denim pants. No lime green colors, or orange top over orange pants.
No law enforcement or military-type green pants w/ tan top or camouflage patterned articles of clothing, including rain gear. .No hats, wigs or hairpieces (except with prior written approval of the Visiting Sergeant)
No clothing that exposes the breast/chest area, genital area or buttocks.
No dresses, skirts, pants and shorts exposing more than two inches above the knee, including slits.
No sheer or transparent garments-
No strapless or "spaghetti" straps.
No clothing exposing the midriff area.
No clothing or accessories displaying obscene or offensive language or drawings.
No brassieres with metal underwires or any other detectable metal are not permitted.
No flip-flops or shower slippers. No high-heels. No strapless back shoes.
There is a limit on jewelry! No more than two rings. One set of earrings only. No bracelets.
No Purses (many people use a clear zip-lock baggie)
No Food. All refreshments are to be purchased for the vendor/vending machines located in the visiting room.
No chewing gum.
No cameras.
No pagers.
No cell phones.
No writing materials or books (Unless approved prior to entering the Visiting Room).
Allowable Items
One valid identification (for adults only).
One handkerchief.
One unopened tissue pack.
Clear Change Purse.
$30.00 per adult visitor and $10.00 per child, in Coin or one dollar bills (we do not make change).
One comb or brush.
Two keys on a ring, with no attachments.
Ten photographs (not to be retained by inmate).
One infant carrier with small blanket and one change of baby' s clothes.
Six disposable diapers and factory sealed baby wipes.
Two clear baby bottles of pre-mixed formula/milk/juice, per baby.
One transparent pacifier.
Two jars of factory sealed baby food and one bib.
Nitroglycerin tablets and inhalers (life threatening medication, enough for the day only)
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Web Page Designed and Published By;
Computer Consulting Service