March 27. 2025, 10:00AM -12:00 PM
How many people can attend a family visit?– The number of visitors allowed is determined by each individual facility due to space limitations. No two institutions are the same in layout or capacity.
Is the facility supposed to provide a place in the visiting room for breastfeeding visitors? Yes, each institution should have a designated lactation space. These areas may be located inside or outside but should remain in close proximity to the visiting area. Discreet nursing is also allowed in the visiting room.
Do facilities have to give incarcerated people an advance notice before transport (for those attending court) so the incarcerated can get all their legal documents and personal belongings together? – For safety and security reasons, CDCR does not provide advance notice of transportation dates or times. However, efforts are made to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to bring legal documents and personal belongings with them.
Dress Code inconsistencies, some facilities are still not allowing leggings, banning colors like brown and burgundy, not allowing hooded jackets and sweaters. – A new dress code poster has been distributed to all facilities and should be posted in visiting areas. Leggings are permitted as long as front and back private areas are covered.
Can music CDs be added to special purchases? – Music CDs are currently classified as regular purchases and are not included in special purchases.
Status on KVSP discussion to opening additional FV units. Follow-up on FV unit is used as a board room for Solano. (wait time for Solano exceeds 6 months)- Kern Valley is within 6-month timeframe of family visit scheduling so no plans of opening additional FV units currently. Solano is currently working on a plan to get another unit in rotation.
Follow up: SATF facility will no longer provide transportation for ADA visitors. SATF has discontinued ADA visitor transportation due to union issues. A proposed solution is to allow incarcerated individuals to assist with this service. Follow-up is ongoing.
Written communication that extending tablet times is at the discretion of the warden. We have some facilities who will not allow tablet hour changes citing this is at the discretion of headquarters. – A regulation is in development to standardize this across all facilities.
Many rumors that CDCR is gravitating to a vegetarian diet for everyone. Any insight?-Not at this time.
Stand by Family Visits-CDCR is not allowing them at this time as the trust process in some facilities will now allow this.
Family Visit Approvals-Families who are approved for FV at one institution and get transferred and are now being denied. Memo was provided (dated February 7, 2019, Corrected Revision to family Visiting Offender Eligibility) that speaks on approvals following incarcerated person through facilities. If an incarcerated person is denied family visits after receiving them in another facility, they should use the appeals process and reference the memo.
Follow up on Updated Visiting form-can we add a section for an emergency contact for visitors. That way if an emergency occurs staff know who to contact- The update is still pending approval.
Visiting Status Page– Families should review their facility’s visiting status page prior to visiting. Facilities are expected to update this page weekly.
Families may take home any food they purchase from the vending machine when their visit is over, and the packages do not need to be sealed.
Donation for Friends Outside-Families must complete the donation form and submit it to the facility for approval.
Play Areas- Incarcerated individuals are permitted to engage with their children in designated children’s play areas.
Medical notes for accommodation are valid for one year. Facilities should not contact medical providers to verify these notes.
Effective July 1, 2025, Levi’s jeans will no longer be available for purchase through approved vendors. CDCR is currently exploring alternative jean options, specifically styles with drawstrings as a substitute for belts. Individuals who already own Levi’s may continue to wear them.
Level IV Modified Program has been reset for safety and security reasons.
CDCR has confirmed that all RAC credit groups must continue to operate as scheduled.