CDC TITLE 15 DIVISION 3

s 3177. Family Visiting (Overnight).

Institution heads shall maintain family visiting policies and procedures. Family visits are extended overnight visits, provided for eligible inmates and their immediate family members, commensurate with institution security, space availability, and pursuant to these regulations. Each institution shall provide all necessary accommodations, except for food, at no cost to the inmates and their visitors. Institutions shall require eligible inmates to purchase all food for the family visit through the institution family visiting coordinator. Each institution family visiting menu shall provide a balanced variety of nutritional selections. At all CDC conservation camps, the visitors shall be required to bring all food for the visit.

Persons with only a common-law relationship to the inmate will not be recognized as immediate family members for the purpose of family visiting. Only those immediate family members as defined in section 3000 are authorized for family visits.

(a) When a bonafide and verified foster relationship exists between an inmate and another person, by virtue of being raised in the same foster family, the person may be approved for family visiting with the prior approval of the institution head or designee.

(b) Family visiting is a privilege. Eligibility for family visiting shall be limited by the assignment of the inmate to a qualifying work/training incentive group as outlined in section 3044.

(1) Family visits shall not be permitted for inmates convicted of a violent offense involving a minor or family member or any sex offense, which includes but is not limited to the following Penal Code sections: 187 (when the victim is a family member or minor); 192 (when the victim is a family member or minor); 243.4 261; 261.5, 262; 264.1; 266c; 266j; 273a; 273d; 273.5; 273.6; 285; 286; 288; 288a; 288.2; 288.5; 289; 289.5; 311.1; 311.2; 311.3; 311.4; 313.1; 314; or 647.6.

(A) Inmates may be prohibited from family visiting where substantial documented evidence or information of the misconduct described in section 3177(b)(1) exists, without a criminal conviction. The evidence or information appropriate for the purpose of this regulation shall include rule violation reports as well as the standard described in section 3173.1.

(B) Family visiting shall be restricted as necessary to maintain order, the safety of persons, the security of the institution/facility, and required prison activities and operations, pursuant to section 3170.

(2) Family visits shall not be permitted for inmates who are in any of the following categories: sentenced to life without the possibility of parole; sentenced to life, without a parole date established by the Board of Prison Terms; designated Close A or Close B custody; designated a condemned inmate; assigned to a reception center; assigned to an administrative segregation unit; assigned to a security housing unit; designated "C" status; guilty of one or more Division A or Division B offense(s) within the last 12 months; or guilty of narcotics distribution while incarcerated in a state prison.

(3) Family visits shall be permitted only in CDC institutions and conservation camps.

(c) Unescorted minors of the inmate's immediate family shall not participate in family visits. Exceptions include an inmate's legal spouse, the inmate's children or legal stepchildren and the inmate's own brothers or sisters when the institution head or designee approves such unchaperoned visits.

(d) Inmates shall not be eligible for a family visit while any action that restricts, suspends, or denies their contact with a visitor or visitors during regular visiting is in effect. Family visits may be revoked or suspended without such action affecting an inmate's eligibility for contact or non-contact visits.

(e) Each inmate shall be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension or exclusion from participation in the family visiting program, for any willful damage of the unit and/or furnishings or for failure to maintain the cleanliness of the family visiting program unit.

(f) Visitors failing to report to the visitor processing area by 11:00 a.m. without the notification and approval of the family visiting coordinator are subject to cancellation of the visit and suspension of family visiting program privileges for six months.

(g) Inmates with a disability requiring an accommodation for family visits shall give 72 hours notice of any request for accommodation.

Welcome to the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) Guide. Here you will find all the information associated with Correctional Training Facility (CTF) Soledad, CA. Each section will be dedicated to a specific topic. We hope you find this useful information when your loved one is sentenced or transferred to this prison.

Facility Information (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2192063&postcount=2)
Inmate Programs (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2194100&postcount=3)
Visiting Information (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2194102&postcount=4)
Directions (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2194110&postcount=5)
Friends Outside Information (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2286458&postcount=8)
Lodging Information (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2194129&postcount=6)
Eating establishments (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2284515&postcount=7)
Family Visits (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2286558&postcount=9)
Contact Information (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2288186&postcount=10)
Personal Property Packages (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2288189&postcount=11)
Misc. Information (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2289347&postcount=12)
CTF Mail Policy (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2290710&postcount=13)

Link to Title 15 (http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Regulations/Adult_Operations/docs/Title15-2007.pdf)

Correctional Training Facility (CTF)



http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Visitors/images/CTF.jpg (http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Visitors/images/aerialShots/CTF_8x10.jpg)
* Highway 101, five miles north of Soledad.


http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Visitors/images/Warden-Curry.jpg
Ben Curry, Warden


Physical Address:
Highway 101 North *
Soledad, CA 93960

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 686
Soledad, CA 93960-0686
(831) 678-3951



Correctional Training Facility - Mission Statement

The primary mission of the Correctional Training Facility is to provide housing, programs and services for medium custody inmates.


Institution Details

The Correctional Training Facility is a three-facility complex, each functions independently of the others:

South Facility. The South Facility provides the complex with outside minimum custody workers. In addition, the facility offers academic, vocational and industrial assignments. The South Facility houses Level I inmates.
Central Facility. The Central Facility is a training and work-oriented facility that provides comprehensive academic, vocational, and industrial programs. The Central Facility houses Level II inmates and also includes the institution's Administrative Segregation Unit.
North Facility. The North Facility is a training and work-oriented facility that provides comprehensive academic, vocational and industrial programs. The North Facility houses Level III inmates.

CTF's values/motto is: Pride in a job well done, Excellence in attaining and preserving the skills necessary to ensure that the institution's mission is met, and that Training is the means by which we achieve our goals.
CTF is engaged in ongoing efforts to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). CTF provides Correctional Clinical Case Management Services (CCCMS) level of care.

Institution Statistics

Correctional Training Facility was opened in 1946, and covers 680 acres. As of Fiscal Year 2006/2007, the following statistics apply:

Number of custody staff:
1,119

Number of support services staff:
524

Total number of staff:
1,643

Annual operating budget:
$150 million


Designed Bedspace & Count

Facility Level - I - South
Design Capacity - 510
Count - 1,090

Facility Level - II - Central
Design Capacity - 1,391
Count - 3,027

Facility Level - II - North
Design Capacity - 1,400
Count - 2,880

Total
3,301
6,997

Special Historical Notes

CTF's South Facility dates back to 1946 when it was utilized as a camp center and administered by San Quentin State Prison. The Central Facility opened in 1951; the North Facility opened in 1958. In 1984, an additional dormitory was added to the Central Facility. In 1996, three dormitories were added: two at the North Facility and one at the South Facility.

Inmate Programs


PIA:Textiles, warehouse, wood products, silk screen
Vocational: Appliance repair, commercial paint, drafting, dry cleaning, electronic data processing, landscaping and gardening, machine shop, mill and cabinet, plumbing, printing, small engine repair, upholstery, welding, vocational computer refurbishing
Academic: Adult Basic Education, High School/GED, Pre-Release, English as a Second Language, Literacy Program, Computer Assisted Education
Other: Community Service Crews, Youth Diversion, Religious, Arts in Corrections, Victim Awareness, Drug Treatment/Diversion, Recycling

Family Reunification Liaison:
CDCR provides through a contract with a community-based organization an on-site Case Manager as a family reunification liaison for inmates and family members, to assist with an inmate’s pre release preparation; and conduct Parenting and Creative Conflict Resolution classes for inmates.




** Thanks Butrfly420 for updates**

Inmate Programs

PIA: Dairy, textiles, warehouse, wood products, silk screen.

Vocational: Appliance repair, commercial paint, drafting, dry cleaning, electronic data processing, landscaping and gardening, machine shop, mill and cabinet, plumbing, printing, small engine repair, upholstery, welding, vocational computer refurbishing.

Academic: Adult Basic Education, High School/GED, Pre-Release, English as a Second Language, Literacy Program, Computer Assisted Education.

Other: Community Service Crews, Youth Diversion, Religious, Blind Project, Arts in Corrections, Victim Awareness, Drug Treatment/Diversion, Recycling.

Visiting

Saturdays, Sundays and Designated Holidays* from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

* New Year's Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas


Friday Visiting Program:

Central/South Facility- 2nd Friday of the Month: 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
North Facility - 3rd Friday of the Month: 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.


For additional visitor information, please contact our visiting staff at (831) 678-3951, ext. 4012/4013.





Visitor Questionnaire Process

The inmate should sign a Visitor Questionnaire (CDC Form 106) and send it to family members and
friends to visit. All adult visitors must complete the questionnaire and return it to the Visiting Sergeant by mail. The Visiting staff must approve the questionnaire before the person may visit. This should take approximately 30 working days. The CDC Form 106 must be filled out completely and accurately. Failure to provide all requested information might result in the request being either denied or delayed. Expect 6 weeks for approval.

Adult Visitors

The inmate will let each visitor know that they are approved. Any visitor approved at one institution shall be approved to visit the same inmate upon transfer to another institution. A visitor may be required to update the Visitor Questionnaire after 24 months.

Minor Visitors

• Minors are allowed to visit only with an adult that has been approved to visit the prison. The accompanying adult must bring the minors original certified birth certificate.

• Foster Parents or Legal Guardian’s must present the facility with original court documents before the minor can visit.

• All other adult visitor’s with an accompanying minor must bring an original copy of a notarized letter from the custodial parent before the child can visit at the facility.

• If minor is legal spouse of inmate a certified marriage license and valid photo ID must be presented.

Acceptable Identification

• A valid state driver's license with picture (not laminated).
• A valid state Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card with picture (not laminated).
• A valid Armed Forces Identification Card with picture.
• Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Justice Immigration and
Naturalization Services with picture.
• Picture Passport.
• Picture identification Matricula Consular De Alta Seguridad (MCAS) issued by the
Mexican Consulate.

Visitor Attire

It is recommended that visitors dress conservatively and with the following guidelines in mind.
Inappropriate attire will be reason to deny a visit. Any alteration to clothing once a visitor is inside the visiting area will be grounds for terminating the visit.

Prohibited Attire

• ANY blue, faded, light black and/or acid wash denim clothing is forbidden, along with and forest green or khaki shirts or blouses that resembles law enforcement uniforms or camouflage patterned clothing.
• Clothing that resembles law enforcement or military-type clothing, including rain gear.
• Hats, wigs or hairpieces (except with prior written approval of the Visiting Sergeant).
• Clothing that exposes the breast/chest area, genital area, or buttocks.
• Dresses, skirts, pants, and shorts exposing more than two inches above the knee, including slits
when standing.
• Sheer or transparent garments.
• Strapless or "spaghetti” strap tops.
• Clothing exposing the midriff area.
• Clothing or accessories displaying obscene or offensive language or drawings.
• Brassieres with metal underwires or any other detectable metal are not permitted. However, all women are required to wear a bra.
• No slippers or shower shoes

Allowable items:

• Religious book - soft cover only
• Identification Card.
• One Handkerchief, no bandannas.
• Tissue Pack, unopened.
• Clear Change Purse or Sandwich Baggy
• $30 Per Adult and $10.00 Per Minor Visitor, in Coin or One Dollar Bills Only.
• Comb or Brush.
• Two Keys On A Ring with No Attachments.
• 10 Photographs.
• Indian Medicine Bag, upon inspection and approval.
• Two small (less than 12 inches in length) solid toys.
• One Infant Carrier.
• Six Disposable Diapers.
• Factory-Sealed Baby Wipes.
• Two Transparent Plastic Baby Bottles of Pre-Mixed Formula/Milk/Juice Per Baby.
• One Transparent Pacifier.
• Three Jars of Factory Sealed Baby Food and One Plastic Baby Spoon.
• One Single-Layer Baby Blanket.
• One Transparent Diaper Bag.
• One Change of Baby Clothing.
• One Single-Layer Burp Cloth.

Visitors may retain only life-sustaining, condition-stabilizing medication with the prescribing
physician's written statement of its immediate need, and only in the physician's prescribed amount
immediately required to sustain or stabilize the condition during the visit. The physician’s written
statement shall include the physician’s medical license number, address, and phone number.

All medication shall be in its original pharmacy container with the patient's name, pharmacy, name of
medication, prescribed dosage, and the physician's name indicated on the container's label.
Nonprescription medicine is not permitted.

Visitor's must pass through a metal detector. If metal implants are located within the visitor's body a doctor's medical verification form must be presented to visiting staff.

Prohibited Items

• All tobacco and tobacco products.
• Food. All refreshments are to be purchased from the vending machines located in the visiting
room, except Camps and Ranches.
• Chewing gum.
• Purses.
• Cameras.
• Pagers.
• Cell phones.
• Writing materials or books, unless approved prior to entering the Visiting Room.

Number of Visitors

Regular Visiting: Five visitors (including minors) per inmate at one time.
Ad Seg and Non-Contact Visiting: Three visitors (including minors) per inmate at one time.

Visitors are to visit an inmate only on his regularly scheduled days off from work and school. Only under extraordinary circumstances may an inmate obtain “Excused Time Off” (ETO), which requires five says prior approval of his supervisor. It is important for all visitors to advise the inmate in advance of an expected visit.

Visitors are expected to act in an appropriate manner and refrain from discourteous and offensive language. Visitors will refrain from making any threats of a violent nature. Failure to comply could result in a denial to visit for that day, suspension of visiting privileges or criminal prosecution. (Penal Code Sections 17, 415 and 422) Visitors are subject to search at any time while on institutional property. Regular random searches of personal property inside the visiting room may occur periodically and will be required of all visitors entering through the visiting security gate. Visitors who display a pattern of continuous violations of visiting policies will be issued a warning chrono, which can result in possible suspension of visiting privileges for up to six months.

Visiting Room Procedures

Each visitor and inmate is responsible for his or her own conduct while visiting. Violation of the rules and regulations may result in termination, restriction, suspension, or denial of visits. Additionally, disciplinary action may be taken against the inmate. An inmate and his/her visitor(s) are allowed to
briefly embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of their visit. An inmate may hold his or her minor children. Inmates may also hold minor children accompanied by an adult. Children are to remain under the direct supervision and control of the visiting parent or guardian at all times. Holding hands
on top of the table in plain view is permitted, with no other physical contact. Excessive contact, (kissing, massaging, stroking, and sitting with legs intertwined or sitting on laps) could result in termination of the visit. Nursing mothers shall be discreet and covered when breast-feeding their baby in the visiting area. Failure to do so may result in termination of visiting for that day. Inmates cannot receive any items, gifts, money, jewelry, or documents during a visit. However, the adult visitor may ask for a pencil and notebook paper as needed. Smoking is not allowed in the visiting rooms or outside patios in the institutions at any time.

Fog Procedures

Fog Count: During fog count, visitors will be allowed to process into visiting as normal. Inmates will be released to the visiting room once the institutional fog has cleared.

Fog Line: Visitors will be requires to stay in the visitors parking lot when visibility becomes bad enough that additional staff and weapons are needed to patrol between the perimeter towers. Custody staff will notify the visitors at the visitor parking lot once they are allowed to resume processing at eh Central Entrance Building

NOTE TO ALL VISITORS: CTF KINDLY SUGGESTS THAT ALL VISITOR'S PLEASE FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE VISITING GUIDELINES SIGN POSTED AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE INSTITUTION. THE BUILDING BEHIND THE FLAG POLE IS THE ENTRANCE BUILDING THAT PROCESSES CTF VISITORS.

For additional visiting information, please contact the CTF Visiting Staff at (831) 678-3951, ext. 4012/4013.


**Thank you Flecky for the information**

Directions

From San Francisco:

Take south-bound Highway 101 for 120 miles

Exit to Correctional Training Facility (located between the cities of Gonzales and Soledad)

Turn left at the bridge and enter institution grounds

From Sacramento:

Take south-bound I-5 for 220 miles

Exit west-bound on Highway 152

Exit south-bound Highway 101

Exit to Correctional Training Facility (located between the cities of Gonzales and Soledad)

Turn left at the bridge and enter institution grounds

From Los Angeles:

Take north-bound Highway 101 for 230 miles

Exit to Correctional Training Facility (located between the cities of Gonzales and Soledad)

Turn right at the bridge and enter institution grounds

NOTE TO ALL VISITORS: The building behind the flag pole is the Entrance Building that processes CTF visitors.

Lodging in Soledad and Local Areas

Best Western Valley Harvest Inn
(831) 678-3833
1155 Front St, Soledad, CA
http://www.bestwestern.com/

Soledad Motel 8
(831) 678-3814
1013 Front St, Soledad,CA

Paraiso Hot Springs Resort
(831) 678-2882
34358 Paraiso Springs Rd, Soledad, CA

Motel Budget Inn
(831) 674-5828
452 El Camino Real, Greenfield, CA (7.7 miles)

Travel Inn
(831) 674-5816
120 El Camino Real, Greenfield, CA (8.14 miles)

Lamp Lighter Motel
(831) 675-3691
250 S Alta St, Gonzales, CA (8.7 miles)

Pinnacles Campground
(831) 389-4462
2400 Highway 146, Paicines, CA (12.68 miles)
http://pinncamp.com/

Eating Establishments in Soledad, CA.

Fish & Chips
(831) 678-4400
3034 De La Rosa Sr # H
Soledad, CA 93960

McDonald's
(831) 678-1453
1215 Front St
Soledad, CA 93960

Round Table Pizza
(831) 678-8700
2135 H Dela Rosa Sr St
Soledad, CA 93960

Starbucks
(831) 678-0199
3070 H Dela Rosa Sr St
Soledad, CA 93960

Subway Sandwiches & Salads
(831) 678-0110
3016 H Dela Rosa Sr St
Soledad, CA 93960

Mariscos Puerto Nuevo
(831) 678-9234
3022 H Dela Rosa Sr St
Soledad, CA 93960

China One Restaurant
(831) 678-1800
3040 H Dela Rosa Sr St
Soledad, CA 93960

Carl's Jr
(831) 678-2880
1000 Front St
Soledad, CA 93960

LA Hacienda
(831) 678-0231
140 Oak St
Soledad, CA 93960

Delicias Bakery
(831) 678-8363
836 Monterey St
Soledad, CA 93960

Cheezer's Gourmet Pizza
(831) 678-8000
195 Monterey St
Soledad, CA 93960

Friends Outside Info (For SVSP & CTF Families)

El Puente Visitor Center
PO Box 1112
Soledad, CA 93960

Phone and Fax: 831-678-1236

If you call ahead of time you can schedule pick ups from the Soledad/Salinas Hotels and the Greyhound Station in Salinas. They also have childcare that MUST be prearranged, and can provide restroom facilities and spare changes of clothing.

Family Visits

NOTE: Some prisons are different, but here is some information that pertains to most California Prisons:

The visitor(s) shall adhere to all institutional procedures and departmental regulations while on institutions grounds. Participation in the Family Visiting Program is restricted to immediate family members, unless a legal foster relationship exists. Immediate family members are defined as legal spouse of the inmate and the inmate's legal stepchildren.

Required Documentation Needed for Each Family Visit:

Proof of marriage shall be established by the inmate’s assigned Correctional Counselor, prior to a family visit being approved. A certified marriage certificate shall be required and presented to the Family Visiting Officer prior to each visit. A marriage certificate is required for both stepparents and the inmate’s wife. No Photostat copies will be accepted.

You must bring positive identification showing a photo for every visitor 18 years of age or over. Positive valid identification shall be one of the following. Drivers license, DMV Identification Card, passport, USINS card, military I.D. or other piece of governmental identification. The inmate's brother, sister, children and grandchildren (minors and adults) must present birth certificates prior to each family visit. Grandparents must bring verification of relationship prior to the family visit. This can be done presenting the inmate's birth certificate and the inmate's parent's certified birth certificate (the grandparent's child) to show family lineage. An inmate’s minor children visiting without their natural mother, must be accompanied by an approved adult visitor. Who must present a written notarized approval from the minor child's natural parent or legal guardian. All certificates must be obtained through the county recorder's office and must be embossed or have inked county seat.

Authorized Property for Family Visits:

Visitors are authorized to possess the following items while participating in the family visiting program:

* One bag of clothing per visitor in paper, plastic or canvas duffel type bags. No suitcases are permitted.

* Soft bound books and magazines only (not to exceed ten)

* The visitor must provide washcloths and dishtowels. Bath towels will be provided by the institution.

Visitors with Children:

Disposable diapers only, baby powder, baby food, and formula may be brought into the institution in factory-sealed containers only. Children's toys shall be simple games, coloring books, colored or regular pencils, or crayons. Only searchable toys will be allowed in.

Food for Family Visits:
The inmate, through the institution, purchases all of the food for the family visits. All food items not consumed on the visit must be taken home with the visitor or disposed of in an approved manner. Nothing may be taken back into the institution by the inmate.

Special Note: Only prescribed medication will be allowed. All medication must be accompanied by the current prescription and is subject to prior approval by the Chief medical Officer (CMO). A letter from your doctor listing your medication must be returned with your confirmation. Any person(s) visiting Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW), on a family visit, who needs narcotic medication, or life sustaining medication(s) or life sustaining apparatus, must have prior approval to participate in the family visiting program. Approval can be obtained by having your physician submit a letter to the CMO or VSPW to explain the extent of your medical problem and be in approval of your overnight visit to the prison. Failure to have prior written approval will result in your visit being denied upon arrival at the institution.

A REMINDER: IT IS ILLEGAL TO BRING WEAPONS, AMMUNITION, TEARGAS, ALCOHOL, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES OR NARCOTICS INTO A PENAL INSTITUTION. NO SMOKING ALLOWED.

Clothing:

The same dress code applies for family visitors as regular visitors when entering and exiting the institution. Undergarments must be gender specific.

The following items are NOT allowed:

Clothing for inmates, garment bags, or hangers, blue denim jeans or jackets (male or female), sweats or jogging suits.

Cosmetics and basic hygiene:

The following cosmetic items listed are limited in quantity as to what is necessary for the duration of the visit. All items must be able to be searched with a limit of (5)

1. Makeup foundation 2. Blush 3. Eyeliner 4. Mascara 5. Lipstick

A spouse shall be permitted to bring into the institution a maximum of (10) commercially sealed condoms. All unused condoms shall be retained in their sealed containers and taken out of the institution by the visiting spouse. Under no circumstances shall an inmate be permitted to possess condoms outside of the family visiting quarters.

***NO ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND NO AEROSOL CONTAINERS***

The following items must be factory sealed or in clear containers with clear contents (one of each) and must not contain alcohol and cannot be flammable:

1. Shampoo 2. Conditioner 3. Facial Cleanser 4. Toothpaste 5. Toothbrush 6. Bath Soap 7. Deodorant 8. Feminine hygiene 9. Lotion

All the items listed above depict those items that are authorized. Any items not listed above shall be considered unauthorized and will not be admitted into the institution.

CONFIRMATION

ALL PAPERWORK MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE FAMILY VISITING COORDINATOR AT LEAST 21 DAYS PRIOR TO THE VISIT. PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL ONLY ACCEPT CASHIER'S CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS. ALL FUNDS SUBMITTED FOR FAMILY VISITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. MAKE CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO THE INMATE.

Contact Information

CTF Soledad Main Phone Number: (831) 678-3951

Press 1 - Inmate Visiting Information
Press 2 - Inmate Records
Press 3 - Community Resource Manager
Press 4 - Personnal Office
Press 5 - Business Services
Press 6 - Inmate Health Care Service/Prison Industries

Anthony Kane, Warden: (831) 678-3951

Soledad Public Information Officer: (831) 678-3951

CTF Soledad Ombudsman, Domingo Uribe: (916) 324-5448

CTF Fax Number: (831) 678-5901

Other important telephone numbers:

Inmate Locator: (916) 445-6713

Visiting Hotline: (800) 374-8474

California Department of Corrections Website - http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/

Inmate Phone Contact

Most inmates have access to telephones and can initiate outgoing collect calls. When corresponding with an inmate, individuals may provide a telephone number where an inmate can call them collect. It is up to the inmate to initiate the call. Phone calls are limited to 15 minutes. (Reception Center Inmates Do Not Have Access to Phones)
HOW TO WRITE AN INMATE AT CTF

Indiviuals are free to contact any state prison inmate by mail. Incoming letters are opened and inspected for contraband and then forwarded to the inmate. The address for writing to inmates, sending money orders and for packages from approved vendors at CTF is listed below. To ensure prompt processing the following information should be included on the envelope:

Inmate’s full name, CDC#
Housing (preferable)
Correctional Training Facility
P.O. BOX
Soledad, CA ZIP

Correctional Training Facility
Central Facility
P.O. Box 689, Soledad, CA 93960-0689

Correctional Training Facility
South Facility
P.O. Box 690, Soledad, CA 93960-0690

Correctional Training Facility
North Facility
P.O. Box 705, Soledad, CA 93960-0705


To get an inmate’s CDC# or housing assignment, individuals should call the Public Information Officer (PIO) or the inmate locator at the institution (see below for phone numbers).

Those people who don’t know where an inmate is housed may contact the Department’s ID Warrants unit at (916) 445-6713. A date of birth will be required if the person they are inquiring about has a common name. ID Warrants will not provide inmate housing information.

Personal Property Packages

Inmates can receive, depending on their privilege group, up to four (4) packages per year (this is one (1) per quarter). If they have received a package in any quarter, and a second package arrives, it will be returned to sender.

1. All inmates will receive a catalog from the approved vendor(s) this will explain how the ordering process works.

2. Once they have filled out their order form, mail it to the family member or a person of your choice. That person will then mail the form to an approved vendor along with payment. Once received by that company they will then fill the order and send it out via (UPS) United Parcels Service. These packages will then be delivered to their Warehouse; (CTF) mailroom will do a pick up daily, Monday thru Friday, for distribution.

3. If they wish to have funds removed fro your trust account, they will complete a Trust Withdrawal Slip along with their package order form and send it (via institutional mail) to the Receiving & Release Sergeant for processing. They will then be sent to the Trust Office. If they do not have the availability of funds, these forms will then be sent back to them with "NSF" (non-sufficient funds) noted on each item form. If their funds are verified by accounting, they will then mail to the completed packet and check to that particular company for processing. (Note: They will be charged 10% to the Inmate Welfare Fund for a processing fee).

4. Should a family member or acquaintance place money in their trust account for the purpose of receiving Personal Property Package they will still be charged the 44% for restitution, as with any normal deposit, if applicable. The 10% to IWF (Inmate Welfare Fund) for processing will still be in effect.

It will be the inmate's responsibility to read and be aware of all ordering instruction that vendors have written in their ordering catalog. CTF assumes no responsibility for damaged or missing items, if this has occurred, it will then be the inmate’s responsibility to contact the company via the US mail or have the person who paid for the package contact that vendor in order to solve the problem. All items are subject to search prior to being issued.

Here is a list of CTF approved vendors for Special Purchases and Quarterly Packages:

Walkenhorst Catalog
www.walkenhorsts.com
(800) 660-9255

Access Catalog
www.californiaqp.com
(800) 546-6283

Union Supply Company
www.californiainmatepackage.com
(866) 404-8989

Packages R Us
https://packagesrus.com/shop/
(866) 303-7787

We Pak 4 U
www.wepak4u.com
(877) 937-2522

For books and magazines (these are approved and recommended, but not the only two vendors you are allowed to use):

Barnes & Noble
www.barnesandnoble.com

Amazon
www.amazon.com

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Quarterly Packages:

The California Inmate Quarterly Package system allows you to send much-desired items to your incarcerated loved one. Each institution sets it’s own rules as to what items are allowed and prohibited and items vary by privilege groups. As a result, vendors therefore provide services to a limited amount of Facilities, Camps, CCF’s or the LA County Jail System. All Quarterly Packages are limited to a maximum weight of 30 Lbs. Nor can they exceed dimensions of 24” x 24” x 24”. All vendors list those institutions for which they provide goods and services and what privilege groups.

Special Packages:

Special Packages allow for the purchase of Electronics, Accessories, Musical Instruments, Under Garments and Clothing, Correspondence Courses, Legal Material and Faith Based Items. That would otherwise crowd a quarterly package beyond its allowed weight or dimensions. There is no limit to the amount of special packages allowed in a calendar year.


For more information on quarterly packages and special purchases, you can contact the Receiving and Releasing Department at CTF. Just call (831) 678-3951 and press 0 to speak with an operator. You can then ask to be transferred to the R&R Department.


1st Quarter = January 1st - March 31st

2nd Quarter = April 1st - June 30th

3rd Quarter = July 1st - September 30th

4th Quarter = October 1st - December 31st

Misc. Information

The Prison Sangha Connection

Several members of local sanghas (Vipassana Santa Cruz and Insight Meditation Center) volunteer as Buddhist chaplains meeting with prisoners at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) and the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad, CA. A team has been serving the CTF since January 2003. The volunteers meet with male inmates of this large, level-2 prison each week in an interfaith chapel, where they teach and lead mindfulness meditation, give brief dharma talks, and facilitate discussions.

Vipassana Santa Cruz Sangha inmate members are invited to create and submit essays, stories, poems, drawings, cartoons, or other short pieces for publication in this newsletter. The suggested topic for the next newsletter is Forgiveness, but other topics related to Buddhist practice or meditation may also be addressed.

Guidelines:

The group request that written pieces be no longer than a maximum of 500 words. Written pieces may be edited or made shorter before they are printed. Writing style is not as important as thoughtfulness and honesty. Sign writing or artwork with first name or a nickname (real or fictional) only, or indicate that you want submission to be anonymous. Writings or artworks cannot be returned to their authors or creators.

Submit writing or artwork by any of these ways:

Give it to one of the prison mentors at the Thursday Night Sitting Mail it to the following address:

Newsletter
P.O. Box 868
Capitola, CA 95010

Link to Prison Sangha Connection Website - http://www.prisonsangha.org/default.asp


Apostolic Prison Ministries

Apostolic Prison Ministries are working with all 32 chaplains of the state prisons in California establishing an Apostolic Ministry in each prison that does not have one already while gaining the support of local and neighboring Churches. Currently they work within CTF Soledad.

Mission Statement:

To reach and minister to people in bonds,
and their families!

Men & Women in Prison: Go into the institutions and give them hope, showing them love and baptizing then in the Name of Jesus.

Church Network: As they parole, call the pastor in their city to notify them that a new convert is on the way and they need love.

Prayer Network: For families who have love ones incarcerated or that are going to court.

Family Network: Families of the inmates who want to attend services.

Information Packets: Information to order Bibles or Bible Studies, Christian Books, Newsletters that are available.

Work shop & Seminars: Churches that want to start a Prison ministry but do not know the first step

Link to website - http://www.apostolicprisonministry.com/overview.html

CTF Mail Policy

Inmates may receive:

stamps by mail (NO LIMIT),
envelops with the postage printed on,
pictures (limit 10 per envelope-no Polaroid’s),
newspaper clippings,
web pages (limit 5 per envelope).

Inmates may not receive the following items or must have prior approval from staff:

SPECIAL NOTE: Stationary (writing paper, writing tablets, blank envelopes, pencils, etc.) may not be received by mail at this institution. Stationary is available for purchase through the canteen. If you are without funds and indigent (inmates), writing material is available via your housing unit officers. Five (5) envelopes (for free postage) will be issued to you at X-wing during your first week. You must submit requests for additional envelopes to the mailroom.

Items they may not receive by mail are:

third party mail,
magazines, books, catalogs, newspapers,
cassettes,
maps within a ten mile radius of this institution,
jewelry,
pens, pencils, posters, confetti,
lottery tickets,
trading cards, ID cards, musical cards, credit cards, phones cards, cardboard, address books,
clothing,
plants,
metal,
plastic,
wood,
glass,
computer software,
anything larger than 8 x 11 inches,
gang related material, tattoo patterns, drugs etc.... or any given item which may threaten the safety and security of this institution.

For Money Orders:

The mailroom processes funds received for the inmate’s daily. Their envelope will be stamped and marked with the amount received for them. They must keep this envelope; this is their proof that the funds were removed from the envelope. The funds will be forwarded to the trust office for further processing and posting of their account. The funds should be posted to their account within 3 to 4 working days of receipt by the mailroom. To insure that there are no delays in the processing of their funds, inform whose wishing to send them funds that they must adhere to the following policy:

-They must send a money order, cashiers check or personal check.
-They must make the check or money order payable to the Correctional Training Facility.
-They must place the inmates name and CDC# on the check or money order (their CDC # is their account). The check or money order must be completed in its entirety and in a way that is legible (readable).

Note: Personal checks require a 30-day period to allow clearance through the bank.

INCOMPLETE OR UNREADABLE CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS WILL BE RETURNED TO THE SENDER.

Additionally: Inform your correspondents to NEVER SEND CASH! Foreign currency will not be accepted and will be returned to sender.

Note: If the inmate has been ordered to pay restitution, the ordered amount will be deducted from the funds received for them, prior to any posting to the inmates account.

**Specials thanks to meganyg21 for this helpful information **