The idea behind the California Re-entry Institute (CRI) is to begin the re-integration process in prison and continue support services once released. The 18-24-month-to-the- gate program recently graduated more than 50 men in San Quentin State Prison’s Garden Chapel on Sept. 7 from its two programs of Crime Impact Awareness and Empowered Re-entry. “It’s amazing the work they’ve done,” CRI executive director Collette Carroll said. “They come every Saturday. They work hard. They share. They ask for case management. “They are always … [Read more...] about 50 men graduate from California Re-entry Institute
Rehabilitation Corner
Celebrating SQ’s 12th annual Addiction Recovery Day
Opening up or remaining anonymous was a hot topic at San Quentin’s 12th annual Addiction Recovery Day, Sept. 29. “One of the things I’m seeing is the stigma around addiction,” said visitor Daniel Petersen, of the Support 4 Recovery organization. “How can we change that if we remain anonymous? People need to see the face of recovery. “I’m employed—I have a relationship with my family. It’s about choices today, because you know the consequences,” Petersen added. “I still know where the liquor stores and drug dealers are. By sharing our … [Read more...] about Celebrating SQ’s 12th annual Addiction Recovery Day
Norway’s Halden prison ranked most humane
Norway’s Halden Prison ranks as one of the most humane prisons in the world — a place where the sole focus is rehabilitation, reported The Huffington Post. Turkey’s Diyarbakir Prison, on the other hand, is described as a facility that completely ignores all basic human rights. U.S. prisons fall somewhere in the middle when compared to these other prisons. Colorado’s federal Administrative Maximum Facility is an example between the best and worst globally, according to the article. Contrast that with what Huffington journalist … [Read more...] about Norway’s Halden prison ranked most humane
Domestic Violence 15 Percent All Violent Crime
Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime. “The key question concerns the relationship between threats and actual violence,” reported the Wall Street Journal on a new study of domestic violence. “To me, threats are clues,” said Dr. T.K. Logan, author of the study. “We tend to dismiss them because there are so many. We should hone in, not tune out.” She believes the central issue in domestic abuse troubles is being able to measure when words signal real danger. San Quentin offers an effective tool convert threatening … [Read more...] about Domestic Violence 15 Percent All Violent Crime
Inmates sent out of state discover the power of the arts
The lives of California inmates housed in the private La Palma Correctional Facility are being transformed by the power of art. Walk inside a multipurpose room in the rural Arizona prison and the four walls burst with colorful murals of California scenes like Hollywood movie reels, Cesar Chavez, skyscrapers, surf and Highway I-5 – all painted by Californians, reports the Cronkite News When asked why they made images of California, the inmates’ responses were all from the heart and were very simple, “We started from the bottom, from Southern … [Read more...] about Inmates sent out of state discover the power of the arts
Prison officials provide tablets to reduce violence
California prison officials say they are working to improve inmates’ access to modern technology, while ensuring they won’t abuse the changes. “Technology in prisons can provide inmates education, diversions from harmful behaviors, and a lifeline to family support that can ease the emotional stress associated with incarceration,” according to Jason Shueh’s Feb.8 story on the statescoop.com website. “Our job is to figure out how to control it,” said Russ Nichols, chief information officer for the California Department of Corrections and … [Read more...] about Prison officials provide tablets to reduce violence
80 Committed Men Graduates From GRIP
By Marcus Henderson Staff Writer The 2016 Guiding Rage into Power ‘GRIP’ program graduated 80 dedicated men. The year program guided prisoners on a deep healing journey inside themselves. “Today these men are graduating from offenders into servants.” Said Jacques Verduin, GRIP Director and host of the event. “This program is ready to replicate.” Families, friends and volunteers pack the visiting room to witnesses the graduation of tribes 641, 715 and 742. Each group represented its combined amount of prison time served. That’s … [Read more...] about 80 Committed Men Graduates From GRIP
Delegation From Nepal Courts Look at San Quentin in Search of Restorative Justice
Six high court judges from Nepal visited San Quentin to learn about its restorative justice practices in prison and to take part in a group dialogue. In November, the Victim Offender Education Group (VOEG) and the Insight Prison Project (IPP) hosted a roundtable discussion with the justices, 12 inmates and other guests. With the help of Ashley Clark from Asia Foundation and Karena Montag, IPP program supervisor, inmate Phoeun You welcomed the group. Prior to the discussion, participants meditated before “checking in” to share how they want … [Read more...] about Delegation From Nepal Courts Look at San Quentin in Search of Restorative Justice
Ward Allen Focuses on Jobs for Ex-Inmates
For 17 years, Ward Allen has been helping transform the lives of former male and female prisoners, helping them get job skills and jobs. “The slight, 76-year-old... happily surrounds himself with brawny ex-offenders, erstwhile thieves accustomed to not being trusted, convicted murderers who served their time but can’t find a job to support themselves or their families,” wrote Cathie Anderson in a Sacramento Bee story. Last year Allen and three business partners formed the Highlands Community Charter School. They hope it will be an … [Read more...] about Ward Allen Focuses on Jobs for Ex-Inmates
Rose Madden’s Healing Journey Toward Restorative Justice
“My heart was broken,” guest speaker Rose Madden said as she told San Quentin inmates the story of the senseless murder of her daughter, Jennifer LeAnne Balber. Madden also said she learned that inmates are capable of change at the Supporting the Healing Journey Restorative Justice symposium. “This is part of my healing process. I need to share my story, to let them know how I felt as a victim – the struggles, the depression. Maybe they can pass it on because they not only hurt me, they hurt their families,” said Madden. Balber was … [Read more...] about Rose Madden’s Healing Journey Toward Restorative Justice