CIW is the women's prison in Corona that was California's only one until 1987, when it was known as Frontera. Check the result reads California Institution for Women, then start sending photos and letters.
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California Institution for Women is a CDCR prison for women in Corona, and until 1987 it was the state’s only women’s prison, then known as Frontera. To confirm someone is held here, search CDCR’s statewide CIRIS locator by name or CDCR number at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov, then check that the result reads California Institution for Women, not the similarly named men’s prison.
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Use CIRIS, CDCR's statewide inmate search tool, at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov. Search by her name or CDCR number, then confirm the result lists California Institution for Women.
Inmate SearchYes. California Institution for Women was known as Frontera, and until 1987 it was the only state prison in California that held women. If you're searching older records or family history that mention Frontera, this is the same place.
Inmate SearchNo. They're two separate prisons, and it's an easy mix-up because both are in the Chino area. California Institution for Women (CIW) holds women, and California Institution for Men (CIM) holds men. Before you send money, mail a letter, or plan a visit, make sure your CIRIS result reads California Institution for Women, not California Institution for Men.
Inmate SearchA few things can cause this: a recent booking that hasn't posted in CIRIS yet, a release or parole, a transfer to another institution, or a name spelled differently than CDCR has it. Try name variations first, then call CDCR's Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713 with a date of birth.
Inmate SearchNo. Her full legal name is enough to start. The CDCR number makes the match more certain, and you'll need it anyway for the visitor questionnaire, for mail, and for JPay deposits once you've confirmed she's at CIW.
Inmate SearchCIRIS updates to show her new institution, though the change can lag the actual move by a few days. Recheck it before you send money, mail a letter, or travel, since a deposit or letter sent to CIW after she leaves has to be reprocessed at the new prison.
Inmate SearchOnce you've confirmed their location, start the CDCR Form 106 approval process.
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All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified July 14, 2026.