Folsom State Prison IFC

08/17/2026

2026 Holiday Menu for family visits

08/17/2026

Good evening everyone,

We are currently working on suggestions for a new FV menu that would take effect in February 2027. Our selections are due by October, so we would greatly appreciate your input.

Please share your suggestions for items you would like to see added to the menu. Keep in mind that for every item we add, we must remove another item. Therefore, please also include an item currently on the menu that you would be comfortable having removed.

Additionally, we will once again be proposing the implementation of an e-cart system, similar to Instacart, which would allow us to move away from the current menu system. However, in the event that the proposal is denied again, we still need to move forward with revising the existing menu.

Your feedback is important and will help us make selections that best meet everyone’s needs. Please send us your suggestions as soon as possible so we can compile and submit them by the October deadline.

Thank you for your continued input and support!

08/16/2026

Good afternoon, everyone! 🎃🧡

A huge THANK YOU to all of the amazing families who donated and supported our Halloween event! Because of your generosity, we have officially fulfilled our entire wish list! 🎉

We have so many fun activities planned for our Halloween event, and we truly could not make it happen without the love and support of our families. Your generosity means so much to us and will help make this event extra special for everyone! 👻🎃

A very special THANK YOU to:

❤️ Natalya Edwards
❤️ Melissa
❤️ Andrea Avila
❤️ Floriz Frederick
❤️ Leilani Fakava
❤️ Sharon Chilpa
❤️ Sonia Gonzalez
❤️ Melissa Alvarez

We appreciate each and every one of you! Thank you for always supporting our families and helping us make these events possible. 🧡🎃

— Folsom IFC

08/05/2026

Hello Everyone,

I know it’s early, but we’re already preparing for our next event—Halloween! We have some exciting surprises planned, so we want to make sure we have everything we need ahead of time. That way, we can focus on making this event extra special.

We can’t do it without your support, and we truly appreciate any help you can provide.

Thank you for always supporting Folsom IFC!

Check out this Gift List I just created.

07/28/2026

As we prepare for the anticipated SB 542 funding, we would like your input on items that could enhance the visiting rooms and family visiting units.

What would you like to see available for families and children during visits? Examples might include toys, board games, books, arts and crafts supplies, or other family-friendly activities and amenities.

Your suggestions will help the IFC identify priorities and make thoughtful recommendations for future purchases.

07/27/2026

I spoke with the Captain regarding the concerns about delays in the mail room. He acknowledged that there are areas that need improvement and shared that they will be working on addressing those issues.

We will keep everyone updated as we receive more information. In the meantime, please let the IFC know over the coming weeks if you notice any improvement or if the delays continue. Your feedback will help us monitor the situation.

07/26/2026

SIFC Quarterly Meeting Minutes – May 2026

May 28, 2026 13:00-15:00

SIFC Members in attendance: Angel Rice, Crystal Dean, Katia Campbell, Clara Garcia

Division of Adult Institutions (DAI) Region IV

1. Canine Air Scans

Question:

Can regulations regarding behind-glass visits be reviewed when a search is completed with no contraband findings? Families have expressed concerns about restrictions being imposed despite negative search results or potentially inaccurate canine air-scan alerts.

Response:

Yes. Current regulations are under review, and changes are anticipated. Proposed revisions will also incorporate Family Visiting procedures. When asked about a timeline, CDCR estimated that updated regulations may be available within two to three weeks.

Question:

What is the protocol when a visitor accompanied by a service animal is selected for a passive canine air scan and the K-9 alerts due to the presence of the service animal?

Response:

Visitors with service animals are currently exempt from passive canine air scans. Alternative procedures are under review.

Question:

If one visitor in a group receives a positive alert, can the remaining visitors continue with a regular contact visit, similar to the procedures previously used under ion scan regulations?

Response:

No. CDCR continues to consider the visiting party as a single group for this purpose, and current procedures will remain unchanged.

Enterprise Information Services (EIS) – Securus Tablets

2. Statewide Tablet Implementation

Question:

Are there any statewide updates regarding the implementation of Securus tablets?

Response:

Yes. The tablet distribution schedule has been posted and updated on the CDCR website. Securus is currently being implemented at the eighth and ninth institutions, and the transition process has reportedly been progressing smoothly.

Question:

As tablet access continues to expand, can CDCR establish standardized statewide schedules for tablet availability and usage?

Response:

CDCR is no longer pursuing a statewide schedule. Each institution will establish its own phone and messaging schedules based on local operational needs.

SIFC Concern:

Families have raised concerns regarding the cost of services available through the new tablets. While some movie subscriptions appear affordable, newer releases can cost $3.99 to $9.99 for a 48-hour rental.

Response:

Stephanie Jones acknowledged the concern and agreed to review the pricing structure. She noted that increased costs may be associated with the expanded content library available through Securus, including additional movies and games. She also advised that ViaPath had planned pricing increases as well.

SIFC Concern:

Securus currently offers two messaging options: direct messaging and email-style messaging. SIFC asked why direct messaging cannot be implemented, given that it was available on the previous VSA platform.

Response:

Stephanie Jones acknowledged the concern and will provide a response after further review.

SIFC Concern:

Families with children who have special needs have reported difficulties using Securus video visitation due to facial recognition and tracking software. The software frequently generates error messages, freezes, or disconnects calls when participants do not remain still or continuously face the camera.

Question:

Can accommodation be considered to disable facial tracking requirements for approved special-needs situations?

Response:

CDCR will review the request and provide a response at a future meeting.

Restricted Housing Unit (RHU) Regulations

3. Emergency RHU Regulations

Question:

What circumstances led to the implementation of the emergency RHU regulations?

Response:

Since the implementation of the revised RHU regulations in 2023, CDCR has experienced a significant increase in violent offenses committed against staff and members of the incarcerated population. Emergency regulations were implemented to improve safety and reduce violence. CDCR clarified that these regulations apply only to individuals involved in more serious offenses.

Population Management Unit

4. California Institution for Men (CIM) Updates

Question:

What is the status of the new yard at CIM?

Response:

A new Non-Designated Programming Facility (NDPF) Level II yard is currently under development at CIM. Family Visiting units are also being constructed. No estimated completion or opening date is available at this time.

Question:

Are there any statewide updates regarding additional yard conversions?

Response:

Headquarters reported that no additional yard conversions are currently planned.

Question:

Are there any updates regarding the potential closure of the Correctional Training Facility (CTF)?

Response:

CDCR advised that the closure of CTF was discussed only as a recommendation. At this time, there are no plans for additional prison closures.

07/26/2026

SIFC Visiting Work Group Minutes – May 2026

May 28, 2026

1. Memo Communication

Concern:
When information discussed during SIFC meetings is relayed to institutions through local IFCs, staff often indicate they will not implement changes unless they are communicated through an official memorandum.

Response:
Headquarters advised that official memorandums will not be issued for these discussions. To minimize miscommunication, the Warden or Chief Deputy Warden is required to attend monthly visiting meetings. Meeting minutes will be distributed to institutions shortly after each meeting.

Follow-Up Question:
Can SIFC receive updates regarding the distribution of meeting minutes?

Response:
Jesus Vega will email completed meeting minutes directly to SIFC members.

2. Instacart for Family Visiting

CDCR is exploring statewide implementation of Instacart for Family Visiting, provided the service can be made available at all institutions.

Potential benefits include:

Eliminating delays associated with money orders and check processing.
Simplifying medical accommodation requests.
Allowing the use of EBT/SNAP cards for food purchases where accepted.
Streamlining food ordering for family visits and reducing the need for staff to shop.
Moving away from trust fund account withdrawals and check-holding processes.
Shifting missing items, refunds, or delivery concerns the delivery platform rather than the institution.
Statewide IFC is developing a chart identifying institutions currently utilizing Instacart and determining whether service is available in surrounding areas. This project will be coordinated with Headquarters, along with the ongoing standardized Operating Procedure (OP) initiative.

Headquarters noted that some institutions may not have Instacart coverage, and alternatives such as DoorDash, Raley’s eCart, or similar grocery delivery services may need to be explored. Institutions may still conduct appropriate security screening of delivered items, including canine air scan, provided food items are not contaminated or improperly handled

Associate Warden Santos will gather potential meeting dates to begin discussions.

3. Revised Visiting Applications

The revised visiting regulations and updated visiting application are in the final stages of approval.

Changes include:

Removal of the requirement to list arrest history in detail.
Elimination of the section requiring minor children to be listed.
Addition of an email address field to facilitate communication with applicants.
Allowing certain missing information to be corrected by email rather than automatically denying the application.
Continuing to require a wet signature on the original application.
Removal of military ID from the application because it does not return background information through CLETS. Military ID remains an acceptable form of identification for visiting
Headquarters anticipates that visiting approvals and denials should be completed within 30 days.

Headquarters also stated that the new process should reduce the need for families to obtain DOJ printouts for old criminal history concerns.

4. Family Visit Approval Following Institution Transfers

Concern:
Families have reported being approved for Family Visiting at one institution but denied after the incarcerated individual transfers to another institution.

Response:
Each institution independently reviews Family Visiting applications. Prior approval at another institution does not guarantee approval following a transfer, as additional review may uncover issues previously overlooked. The Family Visiting review process restarts when an incarcerated person transfers to a new institution.

Case-by-case approvals may transfer with the incarcerated individual, provided there have been no changes in circumstances. Headquarters also noted that updated regulations will apply stricter review standards to cases involving domestic violence concerns.

Domestic violence history may become part of a stricter screening process. Some circumstances may result in denial, while others may allow reconsideration after a specified period with documented positive behavior, rehabilitation, and relevant programming. Dismissed charges may still be reviewed if arrest reports or other documentation raise safety concerns.

When a case-by-case approval is granted through the committee and documented in the system, it may carry significant weight if the incarcerated person later transfers, unless new concerns arise.

5. IFC and IAC Collaboration

SIFC raised concerns about varying practices across institutions regarding communication and collaboration between IFCs and IACs. Headquarters acknowledged that practices vary by institution and that clearer communication could help reduce duplication of effort and improve problem-solving among IACs, IFCs, and local administration.

Response:
Headquarters confirmed there are no restrictions on IFCs and IACs meeting together or sharing meeting minutes.

6. Birth Certificates for Family Visiting Verification

Headquarters confirmed that institutions may request birth certificates for incarcerated individuals to verify family relationships, including those involving mothers and siblings.

Headquarters also discussed the need for clearer statewide messaging on when families must bring proof-of-relationship documents and when documents already scanned into SOMS should be sufficient.

7. Walk-In Visiting
Walk-in visiting is not a statewide process due to differences in facility size, population, available space, and visiting demand. Headquarters does not anticipate implementing a uniform statewide policy and encourages IFCs to collaborate with local administration to develop fair procedures.

8. Vending Machine Issues

Vending machine concerns may be reported to Statewide IFC, which will communicate issues to Headquarters. Headquarters reiterated that hand-to-hand sales are not permitted when vending machines are out of service.

9. Religious Oils Suspension

Headquarters confirmed that religious oils from most approved vendors remain suspended. No additional information is currently available.

SIFC requested that the CDCR website be updated to reflect the suspension, as families currently have no online access to this information.

Additional updates will be provided as they become available.

10. Evaporative Cooling Fan Request

SIFC requested approval to sell an evaporative cooling fan through Walkenhorst’s catalog. The item is currently available through Walkenhorst’s East Coast catalog but was previously denied due to cost concerns.

Given increasing temperatures and the lack of air conditioning at many institutions, SIFC requested reconsideration.

Response:
Headquarters will review the request.

11. Black Shoe Purchase Request

SIFC presented an IAC request to allow incarcerated individuals to purchase black shoes.

Currently, only white shoes are authorized for purchase, and they frequently become stained during yard activities.

Response:
Headquarters will review the request.

12. Statewide Visiting Training Day

A statewide mandatory visiting training day is tentatively scheduled for June 26, 2026.

A memorandum announcing the closure has been drafted and is awaiting final signature.

13. Citizen Complaints

Visitors who believe they have been mistreated are encouraged to file a Citizen’s Complaint.

Headquarters emphasized the importance of maintaining a documented record of concerns, as Wardens can review complaint submissions.

Visitors should receive confirmation regarding their complaint within 45 days.

Additional clarification provided during the meeting:

Concerns should be submitted in writing; social media posts or informal reports are not considered an official CDCR complaint record.
IFC and SIFC representatives may provide families with complaint process information but should not investigate or take ownership of individual complaints.
Volunteers may file a Citizen’s Complaint if they personally experience staff misconduct or inappropriate treatment.
Complaints involving staff should generally be reviewed or answered by someone of at least one rank higher than the staff member involved.
Headquarters may request documentation showing corrective action or staff training occurred, although the complainant may not receive details of personnel action.
14. Donations

Headquarters clarified that monetary donations are not permitted.

IFCs should not solicit cash donations or gift cards to be used for purchases.

15. Holiday Events

Outside food remains prohibited at holiday events, as allowing it would violate existing vendor agreements.

16. Norco Closure Update

The complete closure of Norco is projected for October 2026.

The institution currently houses approximately 423 incarcerated individuals.

17. Ombudsman Response Timeframes

Families contacting the Ombudsman can generally expect the following response times:

Phone Calls: Within 3 days
Emails: Within 7 days
Written Letters: Within 30 days
18. Temporary Community Leave (TCL)

Headquarters advised that Temporary Community Leave (TCL) for funeral attendance is rarely approved.

Approval decisions consider numerous factors, including:

Security classification
Transportation and staffing costs
Overall institutional safety concerns
As an alternative, families may contact the institution’s Public Information Officer (PIO) to inquire whether a video viewing of funeral services can be arranged.

Such accommodation is not guaranteed and remains subject to institutional discretion.

19. Valid Identification and Driver’s License Concerns

SIFC raised concerns regarding visitors being questioned about driver’s licenses or threatened with vehicle towing when they had another valid form of identification for visiting.

Response:
Headquarters clarified that staff should ask whether the visitor has a valid form of identification for visiting. A passport or other approved identification is acceptable. Staff should not police whether a visitor has a driver’s license unless it is directly relevant to the visiting identification requirement. Headquarters stated that visitors should not be threatened with towing over this issue and requested that specific incidents be documented and elevated.

20. Scanned Documents and Same-Day Family Visiting Issues

Headquarters discussed concerns where families were denied Family Visiting because they did not bring physical documents, even though documents were already scanned into SOMS.

Response:

If documents are scanned into SOMS, the purpose is to reduce the need for families to repeatedly bring the same documents. If a same-day denial occurs and the family is still on-site, SIFC/IFC representatives should immediately elevate the issue so Headquarters can contact the institution when appropriate.

21. ADA, Medical Devices, and Assistive Communication

SIFC raised questions about children and adults with disabilities who use AAC communication devices that may look like tablets or phones.

Response:

Assistive communication devices may be permitted when supported by appropriate documentation showing the disability-related communication need. The device must serve as a communication function and is not treated the same as a device used only for entertainment.

Medical devices such as Dexcom readers, diabetic supplies, needles, and asthma inhalers were also discussed. Headquarters noted that life-sustaining medication and medical equipment should be handled appropriately when properly documented, and staff should understand the difference between medical devices and prohibited electronics.

22. Institution Safety, Program Disruptions, and Positive Programming Housing

CDCR leadership discussed ongoing violence and program disruptions at some institutions. Program disruptions affect visiting, education, rehabilitation, mental health services, and normal operations.

Headquarters asked IFC/SIFC representatives to help encourage communication with families and loved ones about the importance of safer programming environments.

Positive Programming Housing was also discussed as a pilot intended to incentivize positive behavior and reduce disruption. Eligibility factors discussed included no serious RVRs for 12 months, active participation in work, education, vocational assignments, self-help, extracurricular programming or education, no STG/gang-related activity, and other factors at the discretion of the hiring authority.

23. Standardized Visiting Operating Procedure

Headquarters is beginning work on a statewide standardized visiting Operating Procedure to reduce inconsistencies between institutions.

Areas expected to be reviewed include:

Family Visiting packets and documentation requirements.
Allowable items and implementation of AB 134.
Use of Instacart or similar grocery delivery services.
Processing of scanned documents in SOMS.
General visiting practices that currently vary by institution.
Visiting supervisors from institutions and SIFC/IFC representatives will be included in the workgroup. Headquarters will identify dates and begin scheduling meetings.

07/26/2026

SIFC Quarterly Meeting Minutes – September 2025

September 25, 2025 13:00-15:00

SIFC Members in attendance: Angel Rice, Tyquanique Jackson Funtila, Crystal Dean, Abby Salim, Katia Campbell, Clara Garcia, Elizabeth Hernandez

1. Tablet Transition (Via Path → Securus)

Rollout begins October 2025 with camps first; institutions by February 2026. The schedule is available online for viewing at https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/family-resources/tablets/. This can be subject to change.
Messaging will be sent to incarcerated people (IPs) via current tablets.
Photos & messages will not automatically transfer.
Video Visits: Verification with ID required for adults; minors cannot independently use video calls without ID. Messaging access for minors remains unchanged.
Kiosk use for video calls remains.
Messaging: Will function the same as the current system.
Caller ID: Numbers will now be facility-specific instead of one statewide number.
The appeals process for denied photos is located on the website currently for VIAPATH, and one will be available online for Securus.
Tablets will no longer need passcodes to access; they will use a fingerprint scanner to access. The incarcerated will also be able to move between apps without logging off.
VSA will remain for appointment scheduling.
2. Policy Standardization – Vendor Classification

Question raised about reclassifying the vitamin vendor as a special purchase vendor.
Response: Not eligible under Title 15 §3190.
Consumables (food, vitamins, supplements) remain quarterly package items.
Families encouraged to explore alternative vendors with broader product offerings.
3. Cal AIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal)

Goal: Whole-person care for reentry support (mental health, substance use, food, housing, employment, transportation).
Services begin pre-release to ensure continuity.
Eligibility: Most incarcerated individuals qualify, particularly with chronic conditions, substance use, mental health issues, or pregnancy.
Enhanced Care Managers (ECMs) act as navigators/concierges post-release.
Day-of-release Medi-Cal activation prevents service gaps.
Families encouraged to promote enrollment and pre-release appointments.
Resources, flyers, and website links available through CCHCS / Cal AIM.
4. Board of Parole Hearings Updates

Presented by Jessica Bilenya, Chief Counsel:

Hearing Process:
Typically, 2–3 hours; ~8,000 scheduled annually; many postponed or waived.
Conducted primarily by video, in-person if required (ADA, communication needs).
Grant Rate: ~33–34% in 2024 (see Significant Events Report for full data).
Decision Factors:
Focus on current dangerousness (per in re Lawrence).
Static factors: offense & history.
Dynamic factors: programming, behavior, personal change, release plans.
Participation:
The law dictates hearing participants in CA; Incarcerated individuals, attorneys, DA, victims/families, interpreters, and staff as needed.
Families cannot attend hearings directly but may submit letters of support.
Public comments allowed during en banc reviews.
Programming Evidence:
Post Conviction Report prepared by Correctional Counselor.
Programs through CDCR are tracked and included in the Central File, and BPH has access.
Incarcerated people can submit certificates from outside entities; book reports; Edovo tablet courses are also accepted.
Programs through mental health services are documented in the electronic health record.
Accommodation:
Broad ADA support is available (interpreters, assistive devices, transcriptionists, etc.).
TABE scores may be used to justify additional accommodation.
Yard Designation: Why is the Board asking about SNY/NDPF placement versus GP placement if these are not formal requirements?
An incarcerated person needs to be able to articulate what they have done to distance themselves from STG activity and how they are safely programming.
Include reasons why they continue to reside in GP housing (programming, vocational, opportunities).
Weight of Risk Assessments vs. Other Factors: How does the Board balance Comprehensive Risk Assessments with program participation and disciplinary history?
The board considers the incarcerated person’s central and medical files, Comprehensive Risk Assessment, additional documents from the incarcerated person, written responses from the public, incarcerated person’s testimony, statements from the victim(s) and victim’s family members, and statements from the prosecutor.
They use a structured decision-making framework that uses an evidence-based approach.
Hearing panels generally focus on who the person was at the time of the commitment offense and who they are now.
Approval of Programs: How are board-approved programs selected, and what is the process for designating them as meeting rehabilitative goals?
There are no board-approved programs.
Commissioners visit institutions twice annually to assess offerings and refer individuals to programs.
Definition of “Unreasonable Risk.”
When deciding if a person currently poses an unreasonable risk of danger to society, hearing panels weigh factors relevant to predicting whether the person will commit more antisocial acts, such as crimes of violence, causing personal or financial harm to others, or failing on parole through noncompliance with the reasonable restrictions imposed by their parole agent.
Inconsistent Recommendations: Why aren’t all recommendations given upfront to streamline the path to suitability?
The Board provides recommendations based on what they believe is necessary for the individual to achieve suitability. Some individuals may still need additional time and growth
Each case is unique.
Use of Confidential Information: Why is confidential information accepted as fact?
Any document containing information from a confidential source shall include an evaluation of the source’s reliability, a brief statement of the reason for the conclusion reached, and a statement of the reason why the information or source is not disclosed. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 15, § 3321, subd (b)(2).)
Reliability. The reliability of confidential information to be used shall be established to the satisfaction of the hearing panel. A finding of reliability shall be documented by the hearing panel. (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 15, § 2235, subd. (a).)
Restitution Circumvention:
Incarcerated people should be honest with the board when answering the questions regarding restitution.
Investigations typically cover the past 2–3 years and are more likely in close-call decisions.
Due to the recent changes in restitution, there will be changes within the next year or two where restitution circumvention will no longer be reviewed.
English as a Second Language
Due to budget limitations, Comprehensive Risk Assessments (CRAs) and hearing transcripts are only available in English.
New Regulations: Commutation & resentencing process (excluding 290 PC registrants at this time).
Apply to LWOP cases with 25+ years served, not in the current parole cycle.
Two-step process: informal review → hearing.
Public comments open until Oct. 21, 2025.

September 2025 – February 2026 Overview On February 21, 2025, the California Department of Technology awarded a new telecommunications contract to Secur

07/04/2026

Menu Update

Please be advised that several items have experienced price increases, and some brands have changed. The highlighted items indicate those updates.