My boy is getting shipped to DVI in Tracy, CA. Do any of you know anything about this place. Can we send them mail supplies? Any information on this place would be greatly appreciated.:rolleyes:

If you do a search on "DVI" in this forum, it will bring you a wealth of information. The "search" is in the upper right hand corner.

But to answer your question, it sounds like he is still in county jail and is going to go to DVI.
On that assumption, when he gets to Tracy he will be in a place called Reception. While in Reception, they determine what level he is and then where he will be sent to do his time. (Once he gets to wherever he does his time, it is called mainline.)

While in reception, visiting is behind glass, one hour, after you get approved, and with an appointment. Have him mail you a visitor form right away. These days they use the new form where he has to sign it, I believe. It supposedly takes up to 6 weeks to get apporved. For us, it took much longer.

You can call the 800 number for CDC information and get information on what you can send through the mail. One pad of paper, 20 envelopes, and one book of stamps at a time as I remember. It is best to send those to him as soon as he arrives and gives you his CDC number so you can send him mail. You have to have his CDC number to send any mail. I don't remember how many photos you can send...I think it was 10, but they can tell you.

Mail is sloooow to get to them when they first get there. He will think he has been forgotten, then after about 3 weeks they will give him all of his mail, so write often. Always include his CDC number after his name when you write.

You can place money on his books there, in the form of a cashiers check. Call the prison when he gets there and they will tell you how. IF he hasn't gotten shipped there yet, you would be wise to put as much money on his books as you can before he goes. It will go with him. If you wait til he is at the state prison level to send money, they will take 30% for restitution. So for every hundred dollars you send, the state gets $30. Better to do it while he is at county if you can at all do that.

That's just the basics off the top of my head. If after you have done a search you need further information, feel free to PM me.

Hang in there, it sux, but you will get through it!

Thank you very much for that information. He is still in the county jail, but he is being shipped to Tracy on Wednesday. I appreciate all the information very much

Get that money on the books NOW while he is at county!
And your welcome! :)

Hang in there...