Valley State Prison

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arhunt Posted: 26 Jul 2007 8:12 PM

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21633 Avenue 24
Chowchilla, CA  93610

P. O. Box 99
Chowchilla, CA  93610-0099
(559) 665-6100

Valley State Prison for Women - Mission Statement

The mission of VSPW is multi-fold.  VSPW functions as a Reception Center (RC) and as a General Population institution providing education and vocational opportunities for inmates.  For inmates requiring a higher level of management care, VSPW has an Administrative Housing Unit (ASU) and Security Housing Unit (SHU).  VSPW is also designed as the hub facility for female inmates with mobility impairments, and the ASU and SHU serves as a hub for housing inmates in the Mental Health Services Delivery System (MHSDS) at the Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOP) level of care.  VSPW also houses pregnant inmates.

The institution focuses on providing the General Population with work programming that includes the Prison Industry Authority (PIA).  It provides academic and vocational opportunities to emphasize self-improvement and to raise their education level.  These opportunities empower the inmates to heighten their productivity as citizens of the institution, pave the way for successful re-entry into society, and reduce recidivism.  Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on substance abuse programming, provided in a therapeutic living community, for those inmates with a substance abuse history.

Institution Statistics

Opened in April 1995, VSPW has grown to be one of the largest women's prison in the world, now housing approximately 3,700 inmates.  The institution houses Level I through Level IV inmates with various custody designations (Maximum A through Minimum B).  VSPW is situation on approximately 640 acres in California's San Joaquin Valley in Madera County.  As of Fiscal Year 2006/2007, the following statistics apply:

INMATE PROGRAMS

• Education: The VSPW Education Department currently offers educational services to the inmate population via four service delivery streams; the Academic Program, the Vocational Program, the Bridging Education Program, and the Alternative Education Delivery Models Program.  At any one time, the Education Department offers educational services to approximately 2,400 of our inmate population.  Education is currently operating under a six year accreditation without a review issued by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (approximately 3% of all schools in the Western United States receive this high a level of accreditation).
  
  
  • Academic Education Program:  Eighteen classes ranging from the English Language Development level up through the Adult High School and General Education Development (GED) level.
  • Vocational Program:  VSPW currently offers 15 vocational training programs.  These programs include:  Automotive Mechanics, Cosmetology, Electronics, Eyewear Manufacture, Dry Cleaning, Graphic Arts, Janitorial Services, Landscaping, Mill and Cabinetry, Office Services, Small Engine Repair, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, and Welding.
  • The Bridging Education Program currently serves approximately 800 inmates.
  • Alternative Education Delivery Models Program:  Consists of three sub programs including an Independent Studies Program, a Distance Learning Program, and a College Education Program.  The Independent Studies Program serves an average of 135 inmates per month, the Distance Learning Program serves an average of 145 inmates per month, and the College Program serves an average of 375 inmates per month.
    
    
    
• PIA: PIA employ’s approximately 215 inmates in three separate operations:  Farm Operation, Eyewear Manufacturing, and Laundry.
  
  
• Substance Abuse Program (SAP):  SAP currently provides substance abuse services/counseling to 506 inmates in the Walden House program.  Inmates follow a curriculum that includes education and counseling for substance abuse, domestic violence, anger management, conflict resolution, co-dependency, etc.  This program also includes re-entry planning.
  
  
• Other: Handicraft, Religious, Law and Recreational Library, Physical Education, Friends Outside, and Centerforce.
  
  
• Health Care Services: The Division of Correctional Health Care Services (DCHCS) at VSPW consists of three departments:  Medical, Mental Health and Dental Departments.  VSPW provides a range of treatment and rehabilitative services to assist women with emergent issues, alcohol and drug recovery, chronic care issues, obstetrical (OB)/gynecological (GYN) needs, preventative services, patient education, health care support, mental health services and dental services. 

VISITING HOURS

Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
(includes Holidays: New Years Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas)