CDCR-Valley State Prison (VSP)

You can support your loved ones at VSP on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 559-665-6100.

Located at 21633 Ave 24 in Chowchilla, CA, VSP carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. VSP offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on CDCR-Valley State Prison (VSP) so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

VSP, part of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), operates as a Level II, General Population facility with a multifaceted approach to inmate care. Alongside accommodating individuals needing placement in Sensitive Needs Yard (SNY) and those enrolled in the Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOP) for advanced mental health treatment, VSP serves as a Re-Entry hub, offering tailored rehabilitative services such as substance abuse and cognitive behavioral training.

Originally established in 1995 as Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW), the facility primarily housed female felons and functioned as the state's sole Security Housing Unit (SHU) for female offenders. However, with the enactment of Assembly Bill 109 (AB109) in 2011, which led to a decline in female offender numbers and recidivism rates, VSPW underwent a significant transformation. The conversion from an all-female to an all-male institution began in October 2012, culminating in the successful completion of the transition in January 2013, accompanied by the renaming of the facility to Valley State Prison (VSP).

VSP offers a diverse range of programs aimed at fostering education, vocational training, and personal development among its inmate population. These programs include Adult Basic Education, Arts in Corrections, Auto Mechanics, Building Maintenance, Computer Literacy, Cosmetology, Family Relationships, General Education Development (GED), Library Services, Substance Use Disorder treatment, and more. With an emphasis on empowering inmates with essential life skills and vocational expertise, VSP endeavors to facilitate successful re-entry into society and reduce recidivism rates.