California Institution for Women (CIW) is the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s women’s state prison serving the greater Los Angeles and Southern California region.
The address for California Institution for Women is:
California Institution for Women
16756 Chino-Corona Road
Corona, CA 92880
(909) 597-1772
Driving directions: Google Maps
Note: Although the mailing address uses Corona, the facility is in the Chino area of San Bernardino County.
CIW houses women across multiple custody levels and provides specialized medical and mental health services.
It also functions as the regional reception center for newly sentenced women from Los Angeles and nearby counties. During reception, inmates complete orientation, medical screening, and classification to determine housing and programming.
How do I post bail for someone at CIW?
Bail cannot be posted at CIW. If bail is available, it must be posted before transfer to state prison, while the person is still in county custody or in court.
Once a defendant has been sentenced and transported to CIW, bail is no longer an option. If you are trying to secure release prior to sentencing, post bail at the county jail or the courthouse handling the case.
What is the reception and transfer process at CIW?
Women sentenced in Los Angeles and surrounding counties are typically transported to CIW first. At reception, they will:
- Be medically screened and evaluated.
- Undergo classification to determine security level, housing, and program needs.
- Receive orientation on rules, communication, visits, and property.
- Be permitted a monitored phone call early in the intake process.
After classification, some inmates remain at CIW; others are transferred to different CDCR facilities based on bed space, security level, medical needs, or programming.
How do I look up an inmate’s information?
Use the statewide CDCR inmate locator to search by the inmate’s name or CDCR number.
You can also call CIW’s main line at (909) 597-1772 to confirm current housing and mailing details. For additional help identifying an inmate, the CDCR Identification Unit can assist if you have the person’s full name and date of birth.
How do I contact someone who is being held at CIW?
Phone calls
Calls are outgoing only. Inmates place collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts through the CDCR phone system.
Note that calls are monitored and time-limited.
Address personal mail with the inmate’s full legal name, CDCR number, and the institution name. If you know the housing unit’s P.O. Box, include it; otherwise, use the facility address below.
Inmate’s Full Name, CDCR #
California Institution for Women
16756 Chino-Corona Road
Corona, CA 92880
All mail is screened. Do not send prohibited items. Always include the CDCR number on the envelope and on any enclosures like money orders.
Email and electronic messaging
Many inmates have access to CDCR’s approved electronic messaging system via the facility’s vendor platform. Family and friends must set up an account, be approved, and understand that messages are monitored and may carry small fees.
Sending funds
- Electronic deposits – Use CDCR-approved vendors (for example, JPay, Access Corrections, or GTL/Viapath ConnectNetwork) to add money to the inmate’s trust account.
- By mail – Send a money order payable to CDCR with the inmate’s full name and CDCR number clearly written. Mailed funds may be subject to holding periods before posting.
Always include the inmate’s CDCR number on all mail and payments to ensure correct credit.
How do visits work at CIW?
All visitors must be approved before the first visit. Once approved, you schedule through CDCR’s online visitation system.
Visits are generally offered on weekends and certain holidays; availability can vary by housing unit.
Bring valid government photo ID. Minors must be accompanied by an approved adult and may need a certified birth certificate and, if applicable, notarized consent. Follow dress code and property rules, arrive early, and expect security screening.
Each inmate is typically limited to one visit per day; weekend slots fill quickly, so schedule in advance.
How to get help for someone
Post-conviction and reception at CIW do not end a person’s legal options. Depending on the case, there may be avenues for appeals, post-conviction relief, resentencing, or program-based credits. An experienced attorney can explain next steps, protect rights, and coordinate communication while your loved one is in state custody.
Robert M. Helfend is a SuperLawyers and National Trial Lawyers Top 100 rated trial attorney who has practiced in the Los Angeles area for more than 40 years. Call today – 800-834-6434.
Published September 25, 2025.