California Institution for Women: Overview
The California Institution for Women (CIW) is a medium-security state prison located in Corona, California. Originally established in 1952, CIW was the first institution in California specifically for female offenders. The prison is known for providing specialized programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of incarcerated women. These include educational and vocational training, mental health services, and pre-release programs aimed at preparing inmates for reintegration into society.
The facility accommodates inmates of all custody levels, from general population to those requiring psychiatric or medical care, including pregnant inmates and those in need of methadone treatment. With a capacity of 1,026 but an average daily population of around 2,000, CIW is critical to California’s correctional infrastructure for women. Inmates can participate in various educational initiatives, including high school equivalency programs and college degrees, making CIW a rehabilitation-focused institution
Contact Information for California Institution for Women
- Address: 16756 Chino-Corona Road, Corona, CA 92880
- Phone: (909) 597-1771
- Email: CIWVideoVisiting@cdcr.ca.gov
- Website: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Facility Locator
Visiting Information at California Institution for Women
Visiting an inmate at the California Institution for Women is a key part of maintaining family connections. Visitation takes place on weekends and public holidays, with visiting hours from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Visitors are required to arrive before 2:00 PM to ensure enough time for processing. Approved forms of ID include driver’s licenses or state-issued IDs.
When visiting, you should adhere to the prison’s dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing, gang symbols, and other inappropriate attire. Personal items such as wallets, cell phones, and bags are not allowed inside the visiting area. Lockers are available for storing personal belongings
How to Book a Visit at California Institution for Women
To book a visit at the California Institution for Women, you must first fill out a visitor application, available on the CDCR website. This application includes background checks and may take several weeks for approval. Once approved, you can schedule your visit online through the CDCR’s visitor appointment system. You will need the inmate’s full name and CDCR number to complete the booking
Visitors are permitted to bring up to three children under 18, and each inmate is typically allowed two adults per visit. Visits are designed to be relaxed, allowing for conversations and physical contact like hugs, but these must adhere to institutional guidelines
Directions and Parking at California Institution for Women
The California Institution for Women is located near the city of Chino in San Bernardino County. Visitors can reach the prison by taking the 60 Freeway and exiting on Euclid Avenue, followed by a right turn on Chino-Corona Road. There is ample parking available at the facility, free of charge
Life Inside California Institution for Women
Life at the California Institution for Women is heavily focused on rehabilitation. Inmates can participate in various programs, including job training, education, and mental health services. CIW also offers unique opportunities for select inmates to train as firefighters, a highly regarded program that prepares women for conservation camp placements after release.
Despite these rehabilitative efforts, the prison has faced criticism over issues like overcrowding and mental health care shortcomings. In recent years, there has been an alarming rate of suicide attempts among inmates, drawing attention to the need for better mental health services
Famous Prisoners at California Institution for Women
Several notorious inmates have been housed at California Institution for Women. Brenda Ann Spencer, who committed the 1979 San Diego school shooting, is among the more infamous prisoners currently serving time at CIW. Additionally, Lucille Miller, whose 1964 murder case was famously documented by author Joan Didion, also served her sentence here
FAQs About California Institution for Women
1. Where is California Institution for Women located? The California Institution for Women is located at 16756 Chino-Corona Road, Corona, CA, in Riverside County.
2. How do I book a visit at California Institution for Women? You can book a visit through the CDCR’s online visitor appointment system after completing the visitor application process.
3. What programs are available for inmates at California Institution for Women? CIW offers educational, vocational, and mental health programs, including GED courses, college degrees, and substance abuse counseling
4. What are the visiting hours at California Institution for Women? Visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekends and public holidays
5. How can I contact an inmate at California Institution for Women? You can contact an inmate via mail sent to 16756 Chino-Corona Road, Corona, CA 92880, or through phone calls arranged by the inmate
6. Is there a dress code for visitors at California Institution for Women? Yes, visitors must adhere to a dress code that prohibits revealing or inappropriate clothing
7. Can I bring children to visit an inmate at California Institution for Women? Yes, you can bring up to three children under the age of 18 for visits
8. What mental health services are provided at California Institution for Women? CIW offers outpatient and inpatient mental health services, including a licensed Psychiatric Inpatient Program for intensive care
9. Are there parking facilities at California Institution for Women? Yes, there is free parking available for visitors at the facility
10. Who are some famous prisoners at California Institution for Women? Notable inmates include Brenda Ann Spencer and Lucille Miller
Conclusion
The California Institution for Women plays a crucial role in California’s prison system by focusing on rehabilitation and providing programs that support inmates’ reintegration into society. While the prison faces challenges such as overcrowding and mental health care concerns, it remains committed to offering a structured environment for female offenders.
For more detailed information, you can visit the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s official website.
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