Madera County Grand Jury
• 2024-2025
Valley State Prison Final Report 2425-06 Released 06/04/25
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 6 findings
F1
The MCGJ finds that Valley State Prison (VSP) remains significantly over its original design capacity, housing 3,332 inmates compared to the original design capacity of 1,961, despite not exceeding its current operational capacity of 3,801. This persistent overcrowding may contribute to operational strain and impact the quality of services.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The MCGJ recommends that VSP continue working with the CDCR Population Management Unit to adjust inmate placement and reduce inmate population by advocating for accelerated transfers or conversions of other facilities to Level II.
F2
The MCGJ finds that VSP is experiencing a high number of staffing vacancies and that mandatory overtime is widely used across multiple departments, including custody, nursing, and culinary staff. This reliance on overtime may lead to staff fatigue and reduced efficiency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The MCGJ recommends that CDCR strengthen its recruitment and retention strategies at VSP to address ongoing staffing shortages, especially in the custody and medical departments. Consideration should also be given to offering incentives—such as signing bonuses, retention pay, or additional compensation for bilingual staff—to help alleviate the need for mandatory overtime.
F3
The MCGJ finds that VSP provides significant medical and mental health services, including 24/7 nursing, primary care, mental health therapy, and outpatient care, as well as access to dental and specialty services, reflecting a commitment to inmate well-being.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The MCGJ recommends that VSP continue to maintain and invest in its medical services.
F4
The MCGJ finds that the prison’s Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOP) and other therapy options offer substantial mental health support for inmates, which is critical given the incidents of attempted suicides.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The MCGJ recommends that mental health programs such as the EOP be continued, with adequate staffing and resources to meet the need for mental health services and support.
F5
The MCGJ finds that rehabilitation and educational programs at VSP are available. The partnership with multiple colleges and the availability of digital learning tools enhance access to learning.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The MCGJ recommends that VSP expand educational offerings and ensure continued access to state-issued laptops and college programming, with an emphasis on increasing outreach to inmates not currently enrolled in academic programs.
F6
The MCGJ finds vocational programs offered to inmates, such as welding, cosmetology, and electrical work, help aid in reentry preparation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The MCGJ recommends that vocational training programs be regularly reviewed and updated to match current labor market demands, and that participation in pre-release work programs through Male Community Reentry Program be expanded where possible. INVITED RESPONSE Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933 and 933.05, the Madera County Grand Jury requests responses as follows: From the following governing body : Valley State Prison 21633 Avenue 24 Chowchilla, CA 93610 Warden Valley State Prison 21633 Avenue 24 Chowchilla, CA 93637 Governor Gavin Newsom 1021 O Street Suite 9000 Sacramento, CA 95841 Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) 2590 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95833 Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code Section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Civil Grand Jury. The California State Legislature has stated that it intends the provisions of Penal Code Section 929 prohibiting disclosure of witness identities to encourage full candor in testimony in Grand Jury investigations by protecting the privacy and confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation. * Note: This report was prepared using current information available on the websites listed. ____________________________________________________________________________