May 28, 2026
1. Memo Communication
Concern:
When information discussed during SIFC meetings is relayed to institutions through local IFCs, staff often indicate they will not implement changes unless they are communicated through an official memorandum.
Response:
Headquarters advised that official memorandums will not be issued for these discussions. To minimize miscommunication, the Warden or Chief Deputy Warden is required to attend monthly visiting meetings. Meeting minutes will be distributed to institutions shortly after each meeting.
Follow-Up Question:
Can SIFC receive updates regarding the distribution of meeting minutes?
Response:
Jesus Vega will email completed meeting minutes directly to SIFC members.
2. Instacart for Family Visiting
CDCR is exploring statewide implementation of Instacart for Family Visiting, provided the service can be made available at all institutions.
Potential benefits include:
- Eliminating delays associated with money orders and check processing.
- Simplifying medical accommodation requests.
- Allowing the use of EBT/SNAP cards for food purchases where accepted.
- Streamlining food ordering for family visits and reducing the need for staff to shop.
- Moving away from trust fund account withdrawals and check-holding processes.
- Shifting missing items, refunds, or delivery concerns the delivery platform rather than the institution.
Statewide IFC is developing a chart identifying institutions currently utilizing Instacart and determining whether service is available in surrounding areas. This project will be coordinated with Headquarters, along with the ongoing standardized Operating Procedure (OP) initiative.
Headquarters noted that some institutions may not have Instacart coverage, and alternatives such as DoorDash, Raley’s eCart, or similar grocery delivery services may need to be explored. Institutions may still conduct appropriate security screening of delivered items, including canine air scan, provided food items are not contaminated or improperly handled
Associate Warden Santos will gather potential meeting dates to begin discussions.
3. Revised Visiting Applications
The revised visiting regulations and updated visiting application are in the final stages of approval.
Changes include:
- Removal of the requirement to list arrest history in detail.
- Elimination of the section requiring minor children to be listed.
- Addition of an email address field to facilitate communication with applicants.
- Allowing certain missing information to be corrected by email rather than automatically denying the application.
- Continuing to require a wet signature on the original application.
- Removal of military ID from the application because it does not return background information through CLETS. Military ID remains an acceptable form of identification for visiting
Headquarters anticipates that visiting approvals and denials should be completed within 30 days.
Headquarters also stated that the new process should reduce the need for families to obtain DOJ printouts for old criminal history concerns.
4. Family Visit Approval Following Institution Transfers
Concern:
Families have reported being approved for Family Visiting at one institution but denied after the incarcerated individual transfers to another institution.
Response:
Each institution independently reviews Family Visiting applications. Prior approval at another institution does not guarantee approval following a transfer, as additional review may uncover issues previously overlooked. The Family Visiting review process restarts when an incarcerated person transfers to a new institution.
Case-by-case approvals may transfer with the incarcerated individual, provided there have been no changes in circumstances. Headquarters also noted that updated regulations will apply stricter review standards to cases involving domestic violence concerns.
Domestic violence history may become part of a stricter screening process. Some circumstances may result in denial, while others may allow reconsideration after a specified period with documented positive behavior, rehabilitation, and relevant programming. Dismissed charges may still be reviewed if arrest reports or other documentation raise safety concerns.
When a case-by-case approval is granted through the committee and documented in the system, it may carry significant weight if the incarcerated person later transfers, unless new concerns arise.
5. IFC and IAC Collaboration
SIFC raised concerns about varying practices across institutions regarding communication and collaboration between IFCs and IACs. Headquarters acknowledged that practices vary by institution and that clearer communication could help reduce duplication of effort and improve problem-solving among IACs, IFCs, and local administration.
Response:
Headquarters confirmed there are no restrictions on IFCs and IACs meeting together or sharing meeting minutes.
6. Birth Certificates for Family Visiting Verification
Headquarters confirmed that institutions may request birth certificates for incarcerated individuals to verify family relationships, including those involving mothers and siblings.
Headquarters also discussed the need for clearer statewide messaging on when families must bring proof-of-relationship documents and when documents already scanned into SOMS should be sufficient.
7. Walk-In Visiting
Walk-in visiting is not a statewide process due to differences in facility size, population, available space, and visiting demand. Headquarters does not anticipate implementing a uniform statewide policy and encourages IFCs to collaborate with local administration to develop fair procedures.
8. Vending Machine Issues
Vending machine concerns may be reported to Statewide IFC, which will communicate issues to Headquarters. Headquarters reiterated that hand-to-hand sales are not permitted when vending machines are out of service.
9. Religious Oils Suspension
Headquarters confirmed that religious oils from most approved vendors remain suspended. No additional information is currently available.
SIFC requested that the CDCR website be updated to reflect the suspension, as families currently have no online access to this information.
Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
10. Evaporative Cooling Fan Request
SIFC requested approval to sell an evaporative cooling fan through Walkenhorst’s catalog. The item is currently available through Walkenhorst’s East Coast catalog but was previously denied due to cost concerns.
Given increasing temperatures and the lack of air conditioning at many institutions, SIFC requested reconsideration.
Response:
Headquarters will review the request.
11. Black Shoe Purchase Request
SIFC presented an IAC request to allow incarcerated individuals to purchase black shoes.
Currently, only white shoes are authorized for purchase, and they frequently become stained during yard activities.
Response:
Headquarters will review the request.
12. Statewide Visiting Training Day
A statewide mandatory visiting training day is tentatively scheduled for June 26, 2026.
A memorandum announcing the closure has been drafted and is awaiting final signature.
13. Citizen Complaints
Visitors who believe they have been mistreated are encouraged to file a Citizen’s Complaint.
Headquarters emphasized the importance of maintaining a documented record of concerns, as Wardens can review complaint submissions.
Visitors should receive confirmation regarding their complaint within 45 days.
Additional clarification provided during the meeting:
- Concerns should be submitted in writing; social media posts or informal reports are not considered an official CDCR complaint record.
- IFC and SIFC representatives may provide families with complaint process information but should not investigate or take ownership of individual complaints.
- Volunteers may file a Citizen’s Complaint if they personally experience staff misconduct or inappropriate treatment.
- Complaints involving staff should generally be reviewed or answered by someone of at least one rank higher than the staff member involved.
- Headquarters may request documentation showing corrective action or staff training occurred, although the complainant may not receive details of personnel action.
14. Donations
Headquarters clarified that monetary donations are not permitted.
IFCs should not solicit cash donations or gift cards to be used for purchases.
15. Holiday Events
Outside food remains prohibited at holiday events, as allowing it would violate existing vendor agreements.
16. Norco Closure Update
The complete closure of Norco is projected for October 2026.
The institution currently houses approximately 423 incarcerated individuals.
17. Ombudsman Response Timeframes
Families contacting the Ombudsman can generally expect the following response times:
- Phone Calls: Within 3 days
- Emails: Within 7 days
- Written Letters: Within 30 days
18. Temporary Community Leave (TCL)
Headquarters advised that Temporary Community Leave (TCL) for funeral attendance is rarely approved.
Approval decisions consider numerous factors, including:
- Security classification
- Transportation and staffing costs
- Overall institutional safety concerns
As an alternative, families may contact the institution’s Public Information Officer (PIO) to inquire whether a video viewing of funeral services can be arranged.
Such accommodation is not guaranteed and remains subject to institutional discretion.
19. Valid Identification and Driver’s License Concerns
SIFC raised concerns regarding visitors being questioned about driver’s licenses or threatened with vehicle towing when they had another valid form of identification for visiting.
Response:
Headquarters clarified that staff should ask whether the visitor has a valid form of identification for visiting. A passport or other approved identification is acceptable. Staff should not police whether a visitor has a driver’s license unless it is directly relevant to the visiting identification requirement. Headquarters stated that visitors should not be threatened with towing over this issue and requested that specific incidents be documented and elevated.
20. Scanned Documents and Same-Day Family Visiting Issues
Headquarters discussed concerns where families were denied Family Visiting because they did not bring physical documents, even though documents were already scanned into SOMS.
Response:
If documents are scanned into SOMS, the purpose is to reduce the need for families to repeatedly bring the same documents. If a same-day denial occurs and the family is still on-site, SIFC/IFC representatives should immediately elevate the issue so Headquarters can contact the institution when appropriate.
21. ADA, Medical Devices, and Assistive Communication
SIFC raised questions about children and adults with disabilities who use AAC communication devices that may look like tablets or phones.
Response:
Assistive communication devices may be permitted when supported by appropriate documentation showing the disability-related communication need. The device must serve as a communication function and is not treated the same as a device used only for entertainment.
Medical devices such as Dexcom readers, diabetic supplies, needles, and asthma inhalers were also discussed. Headquarters noted that life-sustaining medication and medical equipment should be handled appropriately when properly documented, and staff should understand the difference between medical devices and prohibited electronics.
22. Institution Safety, Program Disruptions, and Positive Programming Housing
CDCR leadership discussed ongoing violence and program disruptions at some institutions. Program disruptions affect visiting, education, rehabilitation, mental health services, and normal operations.
Headquarters asked IFC/SIFC representatives to help encourage communication with families and loved ones about the importance of safer programming environments.
Positive Programming Housing was also discussed as a pilot intended to incentivize positive behavior and reduce disruption. Eligibility factors discussed included no serious RVRs for 12 months, active participation in work, education, vocational assignments, self-help, extracurricular programming or education, no STG/gang-related activity, and other factors at the discretion of the hiring authority.
23. Standardized Visiting Operating Procedure
Headquarters is beginning work on a statewide standardized visiting Operating Procedure to reduce inconsistencies between institutions.
Areas expected to be reviewed include:
- Family Visiting packets and documentation requirements.
- Allowable items and implementation of AB 134.
- Use of Instacart or similar grocery delivery services.
- Processing of scanned documents in SOMS.
- General visiting practices that currently vary by institution.
Visiting supervisors from institutions and SIFC/IFC representatives will be included in the workgroup. Headquarters will identify dates and begin scheduling meetings.