my brother is on his way to deuel vocational institution in tracy. He has never been incarserated before. What can we expect to happen when he gets there. Is it really 23 hr lockdown? will he be able to call home? We just need the basic run down.

I see three members in a row posting about DVI and no one has voted to have a forum for DVI? The only way to promote for a new forum is to vote for it. Love Barb
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165132 (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165132)

Welcome to PTO Siblings Forum martdogsister- so glad you found us! I am moving your post to the California Forum as hopefully members there will be able to answer some of your questions.

From what I remember there are no phone calls in reception but he can write and recieve mail. Here is a little more info on the reception process and DVI
http://www.corr.ca.gov/InstitutionsDiv/INSTDIV/facilities/fac_prison_DVI.asp
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96977

My Son And Fiance Was In Dvi, They Were Both Just Transferred Out. But As Far As Your Brothers Time There If He Is In Reception And Waiting To Be Housed Than No He Will Not Get Phone Calls. Only Snail Mail And When I Say Snail I Mean Exactly That. It Took My Son Up To Two Weeks To Get My Letters, However I Found They Got Cards And Post Cards Within Days So If You Need To Get Word To Your Brother Quick Than Send A Card, (no Glitter). Money Orders Are Sent To Po Box 20, He'll Get It Quicker . If He Is In Reception You Need To Call On Thursdays And Friday Mornings To Schedule A One Hour Visit. The Phone Is Always Busy Just Keep Trying Hopefully You'll Get Through. Call Between Eight And Eleven. I Personally Hate Dvi

My husband has been at DVI since March of this year. Actually the whole reception part sucks you can visit but behind glass and for an hour and you have to make an appointment. They can't call you just write and yea it does seem like forever for them to get your letters. But I think it's just reception because when my husband mainlined it was okay. As soon as he got to Tracy he sent me the visiting form and I sent it out right away well it took until he was out of reception for it to clear so by the time I went to go see him he was allready mainlined witch worked out better because I rather have a normal visit and be able to hug and kiss him! He is now transferred across the street to O.S.D (outside dorm) it's acually across the parking lot and it's wayyyyyyyyyy better over there for him and me. He says it's so different you can come and go as he pleases. I also have family visits there AKA-conjucal visits and I pass by Z dorm and it scares me Z dorm is reception and I really feel bad for them, too me the conditions arn't very good they yell all the time and sing soooooooo loud it's crazy. They also shot strings from windows to windows and that is how the pass things like a shot of coffee food or whatever. Oh and for some strange reason they throw toilet paper and tee-pee that whole area. I guess being locked down for 23 hours can get to people I know it would get to me but I think there only in there for not more then 2-3 months.

Is the PO Box 20 the address to send Money orders? Do I have to do anything special. My loved one just went to Mainline so he can use money I send, (after they take 44%), but he is out in 28 days so I want to send as quick as possible. Also I was told he can now get a care package with coffee etc. if I send from online it will get to him in a week. Does anyone have any info?

As long as they are not on lockdown he can get the care package aka quarterly package. it usually takes 5-7 days to get there. It goes faster than the mail there...lol
Mrs Guthmiller

I was just curios if anyone knew if you still had to fill out a visitor form to vistit someone in reception at DVI. 2 of my really good friends just went there. I got a letter in two days from both of them and I know my letters are gonna take a lot longer to get to them. I want to see my boys!!!

You can not visit anyone unless you fill out the visiting form and it is approved...