Avenal State Prison (ASP)

Avenal State Prison (ASP) holds a special place in California’s correctional history. It was the first prison actively solicited by a local community and began operations in January 1987. 

Initially known as Kings County State Prison, it was renamed Avenal State Prison on February 22, 1988. ASP is located in the small town of Avenal, which offers a community-centric environment, ideal for fostering rehabilitation and reintegration.

ASP is a medium-security facility with a capacity of 4,197 as of February 2024. The prison serves as a Reentry Hub, focusing on preparing inmates for successful transitions back into society. This includes developing social skills and creating parole plans to support reentry success.

Education is a cornerstone of ASP’s rehabilitation efforts. Golden Hills Adult School, fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), operates within the prison.

The school offers a spectrum of educational programs, ranging from Adult Basic Education and GED preparation to high school diploma courses and college-level classes. Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are also available, covering fields like Auto Mechanics, Carpentry, Welding, and more. These courses provide inmates with nationally recognized certifications, enhancing their employment prospects post-release.

ASP also implements the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program, an evidence-based initiative aimed at addressing substance abuse issues. This program offers various pathways to treatment, including intensive outpatient and life skills training.

The visitation schedule for Avenal State Prison (ASP) is as follows:

• In-person visits are available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Visits must be scheduled online through the Department’s Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA).
• Walk-in visits are also permitted on these days.

Avenal State Prison continues to play an important role in California’s correctional system, offering comprehensive programs aimed at rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.

For further information about Avenal State Prison, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of California.