NBC News - How formerly incarcerated people from ‘Prisneyland’ are doing in their new jobs
The California Model is a pilot program implemented in two facilities, aiming to reduce the high recidivism rates in the U.S. by adopting practices from Scandinavian countries like Norway. These countries have successfully lowered re-offending rates to 20% within two years by creating a more normalized prison environment that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The program at Valley State Prison in California seeks to prepare inmates for reintegration into society by promoting pro-social behavior and offering training in skilled trades. Francisco Orozco, a former inmate, exemplifies the program's success as he transitions to a productive life outside prison, working as a case manager at a nonprofit. The program's expansion is gradual, requiring significant investment and buy-in from prison officials and staff, but it shows promise in creating a safer society by reducing re-offending rates.
Key Points:
- The California Model aims to replicate Scandinavian prison reforms to reduce recidivism.
- Norway's reforms have reduced re-offending rates to 20% within two years.
- The program focuses on normalizing prison environments and promoting pro-social behavior.
- Training in skilled trades is provided to help inmates reintegrate into society.
- The program's expansion is slow, requiring significant investment and institutional buy-in.
Details:
1. 🔄 The Vicious Cycle of Incarceration
- Incarceration affects millions of men and women, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.
- The cycle of incarceration is perpetuated by systemic issues such as lack of access to education, employment opportunities, and social services, which are crucial for reintegration.
- Recidivism rates remain high due to inadequate support systems and societal stigma, making it challenging for former inmates to reintegrate successfully.
- Effective interventions require a comprehensive approach addressing education, employment, mental health, and community support.
- Programs that focus on personalized rehabilitation and skill development have shown promise in reducing recidivism rates.
- Understanding the factors contributing to this cycle is crucial for developing effective interventions.
2. 🔍 Breaking the Cycle: The California Model
- Over 7 million people circulate through probation, jail, and prison annually in the U.S., with more than two-thirds rearrested within three years of release.
- The California Model aims to break this cycle by implementing a pilot program at two facilities, inspired by Scandinavian reforms.
- Norway's reforms over the last 25 years have reduced the re-offending rate within two years to 20%, significantly lower than the U.S. rate.
- The Scandinavian model has also decreased the prison population and improved societal reintegration post-incarceration.
- The California Model focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration, aiming to replicate the success of the Scandinavian approach by fostering environments that support personal development and reduce recidivism.
- Key components include education, vocational training, and mental health support, tailored to individual needs to facilitate successful reentry into society.
3. 🚶♂️ Transitioning to Freedom: Francisco's Journey
3.1. Institutional Release and Reintegration
3.2. Francisco's Release and New Life
3.3. Challenges of Reentry
3.4. Overcoming Past and Moving Forward
4. 🤝 Building Bonds and Education in Prison
- The California model emphasizes building strong relationships between inmates and correctional staff, facilitating communication and pro-social behavior.
- Inmates involved in programs, such as dog training or group facilitation, often develop comfort and skills in interacting with others.
- Parker Chamberlin, a former inmate and now co-executive director of a program, exemplifies successful rehabilitation and leadership post-incarceration.
- Parker Chamberlin spent 21 years in prison, where he matured and developed a sense of self, highlighting the potential for personal growth during incarceration.
- The bond formed between Parker and Francisco in prison, centered around education and self-improvement, underscores the importance of educational opportunities in rehabilitation.
- Parker maintains strong emotional ties to current inmates, viewing them as family, which suggests the lasting impact of prison relationships on personal identity and community.
5. ✂️ Skills Training: From Prison to Profession
- The California Mott program is operational in two prisons with plans to expand to over 30 facilities, focusing on training in skilled trades.
- Training includes diverse fields such as workshops and barber shops, providing practical skills for inmates.
- Valley State is highlighted as one of the few correctional facilities in the U.S. with a fully functional cosmetology program.
- The program's impact is illustrated through the story of Mike, who utilized his cosmetology training from Valley State to transition successfully after release.
- The program emphasizes the importance of education over violence, as exemplified by the metaphor of giving a book instead of a knife.