Apparently, there are several women’s prisons in California. Each prison has different services and programs. If you are looking for information about women’s prisons in California, you have come to the right place. On this page, we will inform you of a list of women’s prisons in California as well as some basic information about each women’s prison.
Here is a list of prisons in California that housed female inmates:
1. Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF)
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) is the largest women’s prison in California, located in Chowchilla, a city in Madera County. Operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), the facility houses female inmates with a variety of security levels, from medium to maximum security. This means that the prison houses women who have been convicted of various kinds of offenses, including more serious crimes. Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) can hold over 2,000 female prisoners. There are lots of services and programs provided by the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), including academic and vocational training, mental health care, alcohol and drug abuse treatment, counseling, and reentry programs. Aside from that, this facility also has a mother-infant program that enables some inmates to keep their own newborns for up to 18 months.
2. California Institution for Women (CIW)
California Institution for Women (CIW) is a women’s prison located in Corona, California. The facility houses female inmates sentenced to level I/III offense. California Institution for Women (CIW) has the capacity to house a substantial number of female inmates. Based on the research, as of April 30, 2020, the facility had 2,640 inmates. Also, the facility features various housing units, healthcare facilities, administrative buildings, educational facilities, and recreational areas. Of course, there are lots of programs available for inmates including academic and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, pre-forestry and camp training, pre-release programs, and prison puppy programs. Also, California Institution for Women (CIW) provides both outpatient and inpatient mental health services for inmates with a serious mental disorder. The Inpatient Program is provided to give more intensive care for inmate patients who cannot adequately follow the outpatient program.
3. Federal Correctional Institution (FCI)
Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) is a women’s prison located in Dublin, California. Based on the research, Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) opened in 1974. The prison became a women’s prison in 2012. With a low-security level, the prison can house up to 1,077 inmates. Also, the prison has an adjacent satellite prison camp that houses minimum-security female inmates. Currently, there are 674 inmates in total, 549 inmates at the FCI and 125 inmates at the camp. Due to the small size of the dining facilities, then meals are served in shifts. Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) provides various programs and services for its inmates including schooling and job training, drug abuse treatment, counseling, and mental health care. Aside from that, Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dubin also provides a release option for qualifying inmates who are suffering from terminal illnesses or other catastrophic illnesses such as cancer, leukemia, stroke, or heart attack.
4. Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW)
Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW) is a women’s prison located in Chowchilla, California. It was established in 1995 and operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW) was specially designed to house female inmates. The prison offers various services and programs to its inmates for their rehabilitation and reentry into society. However, in 2012, Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW) was changed to Valley State Prison (VSP) and housed male inmates. With a medium-security level, Valley State Prison (VSP) can house up to 1980 inmates. However, since July 31, 2022, Valley State Prison (VSP) has held 3,014 inmates, housing more than its capacity and making it the most over-capacity prison in California. There are lots of programs and services offered by the Valley State Prison (VSP) including academic and vocational education, Self-Help programs (SAP), substance abuse treatment, and mental health care.
5. Folsom Women’s Facility (FWF)
Folsom State Prison (FSP) consists of Folsom State Prison A Facility that houses medium custody male inmates and Folsom State Prison B Facility known as Folsom Women’s Facility (FWF) that houses medium custody female inmates. In January 2013, under the administration of Folsom State Prison (FSP), Folsom Women’s Facility (FWF) was opened. This facility has a capacity of 403 female inmates. As of 2013, 25% of the female inmates were Hispanic. Same with other women’s prisons, Folsom Women’s Facility (FWF) also provides lots of services and programs for its inmates including academic programs, job training, rehabilitative and reentry programs, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. For your information, Folsom Women’s Facility (FWF) is the northernmost female prison in the State, allowing female inmates to maintain closer ties to their family in the area.
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