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Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 |
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Governor Brown appoints new California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary
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An Update to the Future of California Corrections
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) published a report last week titled, “An Update to the Future of California Corrections." It is a follow-up to the Blueprint that CDCR published in 2012. The document discusses the various commitments made in the initial Blueprint, progress made in meeting those commitments, inmate population, challenges, and the Department’s plan for operating the prison system in the coming years. The updated Blueprint and other reports can be found on our website at http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Reports/index.html.
For more information, please call (916) 445-4590.
For more information, please call (916) 445-4590.
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CDCR Staff Awarded Top Honors For SB/DVBE Program Success
The Department of General Services, Procurement Division, recently hosted the 16th Annual State Agency Recognition Award (SARA) ceremony to recognize the Governor’s commitment to meet or exceed Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) contracting goals for Fiscal Year 2014-2015.
The 16th Annual SARA ceremony featured 11 different award categories and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) received top honors in multiple categories.
Nina Martinez, CDCR Statewide SB/DVBE Advocate
Government Operations Agency Secretary’s Special Achievement Award
Nina A. Martinez, CDCR Statewide SB/DVBE Advocate
The 2015 Agency Secretary Award winner improved participation in the following ways:
Leading her department’s SB/DVBE Program, including training, providing staff support, state agency collaboration, and vendor support services.
Through her hard work and commitment to excellence, this winner has done an impressive job raising her department’s performance to historic levels.
During the last four years, this winner has attended over 140 outreach events to help educate suppliers on how to do business with her department and guide them through the most appropriate competitive bid process.
When not in the field, this advocate supports her team by providing resources, materials and information, while supporting and cross-training her peers to further the department’s SB/DVBE objectives.
The department advocate exceeded the small business goal at 32 percent, contracting out $333.1 million to small businesses; and exceeded the DVBE goal at 4 percent, contracting out $40.9 million to Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises.
SARA SILVER Winner: CDCR, Headquarters
This SILVER agency improved participation, by:
- Participating in 75 outreach event opportunities, training, forums and meetings.
- Collaborating with various entities to help educate SB/DVBEs on how to do business with CDCR.
- Their SB participation for FY 14-15 was 33 percent and DVBE participation was 4 percent.
CDCR SB/DVBE Advocate Finalists
- Annette Holling, Procurement & Services Officer II - California Institution for Men
- Debra Steward, Materials & Stores Supervisor I - San Quentin State Prison
- Eleanor Amith, Business Services Officer I - Avenal State Prison
- Elizabeth Swanson-Callan, Business Services Officer I - California Medical Facility
- Irene Contreras, Business Services Officer I - Valley State Prison
- Lisa Tackett, Procurement & Services Officer II - Kern Valley State Prison
- Sam Venero, Correctional Business Manager I - Ironwood State Prison
- Keala Barkhurst, Office Technician - California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
- Linda Langley, Correctional Business Manager I - Wasco State Prison
- Nina A. Martinez, HQ, Statewide SB/DVBE Advocate
Lisa Tackett, Kern Valley State Prison
Advocate of the year PLATINUM winner
Lisa Tackett, Procurement and Services Officer II, Kern Valley State Prison
- Has been the advocate for over 4 years.
- Disseminates information, trains staff and is always available to assist by phone or in person.
- Their SB participation was 80 percent (714 contracts totaling $3.75 million) and their DVBE participation was 8 percent (315 contracts totaling $360,386).
Sam Venero, Ironwood State Prison
Advocate of the year SILVER winner
Sam G. Venero, Correctional Business Manager I – Ironwood State Prison
- Assisted in training and mentoring staff while helping to foster relationships between staff and the SB/DVBE community.
- Effectively communicated with vendors and assisted with billing, shipping or invoicing issues promptly.
- Their SB participation was 86 percent the DVBE participation was 9 percent.
Note: A full list of winners, nominees, videos, and photos can be viewed at www.dgs.ca.gov/pd/Home/SARA2015.aspx
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Class-action Lawsuit against California’s Division of Juvenile Justice Terminated after Sweeping Reforms
Class-action Lawsuit against California’s Division of Juvenile Justice Terminated after Sweeping Reforms
State now national model for youth offender treatment
OAKLAND – After more than a decade of reforms in California’s juvenile justice system - including limiting use of force, involving families in the rehabilitation of youth, and greatly reducing the juvenile offender population - the Alameda County Superior Court today terminated the Farrell lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
“The Farrell case was resolved through years of hard work to improve our juvenile justice system,” said CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan. “DJJ has transformed itself into a national leader run by a staff that believes in rehabilitation.”
On January 16, 2003, Margaret Farrell, a taxpayer in the state of California, filed a lawsuit against the director of what was then called the California Youth Authority (CYA). The suit claimed CYA was expending funds on policies, procedures and practices that were illegal under state law. Farrell also claimed that CYA failed in its statutory duties to provide adequate treatment and rehabilitation for juvenile offenders in its care. The lawsuit also alleged that the youth offenders were denied adequate medical, dental and mental health care.
On November 19, 2004, the parties entered into a consent decree in which DJJ agreed to develop and implement six detailed remedial plans in the following areas: safety and welfare, mental health, education, sexual behavior treatment, health care, dental services, and youth with disabilities. One of the most important reforms was the implementation of the Integrated Behavior Treatment Model (IBTM), a comprehensive approach to assessing, understanding and treating youth. The IBTM helps to reduce institutional violence and the risk of future criminal behavior.
“So many significant changes were made with Farrell, but I think the key would be the culture shift. We became an organization that’s built on evidence-based treatment programs that help youth build skills to be successful upon release,” DJJ Director Mike Minor said.
Separate from the Farrell remedial plans, but an important part of the overall reform, was the 2007 realignment of California’s juvenile justice system which reduced the DJJ population from 10,000 youth offenders to approximately 700. This made the living units less crowded and led to an improved staff- to-youth ratio.
One of the experts appointed by the court to assist in the transformation of DJJ was Barry Krisberg, a Senior Fellow at the UC Berkeley School of Law and a nationally known authority on juvenile justice. In a paper from 2014, Krisberg wrote that DJJ is “one of the most progressive juvenile corrections systems in the nation” and it “offers many very valuable policies and processes that could well benefit other jurisdictions.”
Now that the Farrell case has been terminated, DJJ will continue to offer and build on the services offered. These include the operation of an accredited school district providing youth with the same high school curriculum that they would receive in their home community. All non-graduates attend school Monday through Friday to work toward their high school diploma or, if they have short commitment periods, toward their GED’s. From 2010-2015, a total of 1,070 youth earned their high school diplomas or GED’s at one of the four DJJ youth facilities. Also during that time, 696 youth earned nationally recognized certificates in vocational training.
For media inquiries concerning the DJJ, please contact Joe Orlando, Public Information Officer at (916) 445-4950.
For media inquiries concerning the DJJ, please contact Joe Orlando, Public Information Officer at (916) 445-4950.
For community inquiries, please contact Albert Rivas, Deputy Chief, Office of External Affairs at (916) 445-4950 or albert.rivas@cdcr.ca.gov
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New legislation notifies victims if offender intends to profit from story
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) will begin notifying victims if their offender intends to contract with any person or entity for the sale of the story of their crime.
Assembly Bill 538 passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown, JR. in October 2015, requires any person or entity that contracts with a criminal offender for the sale of the offender’s story of a specified crime for which the offender was convicted and under CDCR’s jurisdiction to inform CDCR’s OVSRS.
“This bill fills a much needed gap in notification services where OVSRS-staff can reach out and contact victims on file with CDCR to advise of a contract in place,” Nolice Edwards, Chief of CDCR’s OVRSR said. “The victims will receive the dignity they deserve by being the first to hear of the contract and the possible intent to sell the story. They will be able to take the steps they need to protect their family and their interest.”
The specified felonies for which notifications will be made include; murder, attempted murder, mayhem, rape and other specified sexual assault crimes, kidnapping and any felonies punishable by life in prison or death.
Several years ago Missy Avila was murdered by two acquaintances who were subsequently convicted and sentenced to state prison. One of the two co-defendants appeared on various media outlets promoting and profiting from her personal memoirs and her version of the murder.
The appearances caused outrage to both the victims’ family and other victims throughout the country. In response, Assembly Member Nora Campos (D-San Jose), along with support at the national level, created legislation to protect and ensure a continuum of notification rights to victims to lessen their exposure of reading or viewing their graphic and emotional personal cases to the media.
Currently, OVSRS delivers more than 20,000 paper and electronic notifications to victims annually to advise of their offender’s release to parole/probation, death and/or escape.
CDCR has approximately 112,900 inmates in its 35 institutions. With the changing criminal justice landscape in California affecting offenders and victims every day, it’s crucial victims have their updated information on file to be informed of their rights and to have a voice in the criminal justice system.
To receive notification, victims must register by completing a CDCR form 1707, Request for Victim Services.
If you are a victim of an offender who is serving time in a CDCR facility, you can contact OVSRS toll-free at (877) 256-6877 for assistance in registering for notifications and offender status updates.
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Governor Brown Appoints Jeffrey Callison as the new Assistant Secretary of Communications
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Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 |
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CDCR Partners with Judge Wendy Getty to Divert Adults from Prison
Substance abuse recovery is a challenging path from which people often lose their way. For some, the process requires clean and sober living environments, substance abuse counseling and education, a strong support system, and judicial supervision.
She reported that recovery stopped her life-threatening path and, as a result, kept her children from becoming wards of the court. Ingrid completed her recovery journey and has remained clean and sober for nearly two years.
Judge Wendy Getty, who presided over the Fairfield Adult Drug Court in Solano County said the battle to stay sober is similar to the challenges that fire victims face. Ongoing substance abuse creates a feeling of loss, helplessness, pain, and, in worst cases, may take a life.
The men and women graduating from adult drug court work hard to change their lives, leaving behind the devastation their drug addictions caused in their lives, their families’ lives and even in the communities in which they live.
Community-based partners are critical to the success of any drug court. Partners staff the drug court team. They build rapport with, and offer services to, participants. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) provides participants with support during the program by attending Adult Drug Court hearings to recognize sobriety benchmarks. CDCR also advises the drug court team and works with individual participants to use available resources to successfully keep them out of the state prison system.
In December, four Solano County residents praised Judge Getty and the Adult Drug Court team for the positive impact the program made on their lives.
"This program saved my life and my family. I’m very, very grateful,” said Ingrid Britt during the graduation. The program partners helped Ingrid overcome her substance-use disorder.
Judge Getty worked tirelessly to help the adult drug court participants. She was creative with sanctions she imposed on those not meeting the expectations set forth, ensuring her approach was customized to each adult drug court participant. She reached out to California State Prison – Solano to lend assistance and the institution responded. Through their collaboration, a program was initiated, referred to as The Change Factor, where adult drug court participants have opportunities to learn what life is like inside prison in an effort to deter them from criminal behavior.
Tonya Parker-Mashburn, Community Resource Manager with California State Prison – Solano, helps to inspire program participants as they progress through the program. She attends adult drug court hearings and coordinates peer mentoring discussions at the prison with incarcerated offenders and adult drug court participants. She coordinates educational prison visits for drug court participants to hear testimonies and encouragement from state offenders to keep clean and make positive life choices. The Change Factor has made a lasting impact on the participants.
Another drug court graduate, 34-year-old James Malone, said achieving sobriety took him 15 years in and out of custody and other contacts with the criminal justice system. With the help of a residential treatment facility, he became educated about the tragedy of addiction. James displayed a renewed self-confidence as he received a certificate of appreciation from CDCR representatives. He’s happy about his transformation into a productive member of society.
Taylor Oppedahl recognized his problems and worked through them. He said by the time he was 14, he was already doing drugs and struggled with feeling abnormal. He didn’t have a GED, and by age 19 he’d been in and out of the correctional system. Before drug court, he was arrested 21 times in Napa and Solano counties.
All this led to mounting debts for his parents. Adult drug court was the turning point for Taylor. The support and resources helped to change his life. He reported that after 18 months he is now clean and sober, and no longer addicted.
Taylor Oppedahl recognized his problems and worked through them. He said by the time he was 14, he was already doing drugs and struggled with feeling abnormal. He didn’t have a GED, and by age 19 he’d been in and out of the correctional system. Before drug court, he was arrested 21 times in Napa and Solano counties.
All this led to mounting debts for his parents. Adult drug court was the turning point for Taylor. The support and resources helped to change his life. He reported that after 18 months he is now clean and sober, and no longer addicted.
Adult drug court succeeds because of the team approach to addressing individuals’ addiction and criminogenic issues. Each partner wields its resources and expertise to the benefit of the drug court participants helping them to overcome their addictions and stay out of prisons and avoid future criminal behavior.
For information about the CDCR, please contact Albert Rivas, Deputy Chief, Office of External Affairs at albert.rivas@cdcr.ca.gov or (916) 445-4950.
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California regains control of second prison's health care
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California regained responsibility for providing medical care at a second state prison on Thursday as it slowly makes progress toward ending a decade of federal control.
J. Clark Kelso, the federal court-appointed receiver, turned operations at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad back over to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The prison holds more than 5,000 minimum and medium security inmates about 140 miles southeast of San Francisco.
Kelso acted despite the lingering concerns of attorneys representing inmates in the long-running class-action lawsuit over poor prison medical care, said Don Specter, director of the nonprofit Prison Law Office. Attorneys and court-appointed experts found continued problems with the quality and type of care being provided, so Kelso and department officials agreed to have the court's experts review inmates' care in about six months to see if conditions have improved.
"We kind of reached a middle ground with the state and Mr. Kelso," Specter said. "Here's a prison that had some problems, so we'll see if they can fix them."
In June, Kelso returned health care at Folsom State Prison to the state. But U.S. District Court Judge Thelton Henderson of San Francisco said a year ago that the state must successfully operate all 34 adult institutions for a year before he considers ending his control.
The Folsom and Soledad prisons were the first two to receive passing grades from the state inspector general last year.
The inspector general has found, however, that a third of the dozen prisons he has inspected still are providing inadequate care. Conditions at four prisons continue to have problems that in some cases are similar to those Henderson found when he determined that an average of an inmate each week was dying of medical malpractice or neglect.
The state has since spent $2 billion for new prison medical facilities, doubled its annual prison health care budget to nearly $1.7 billion and reduced its prison population by more than 40,000 inmates.
For information about the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, please contact Albert Rivas, Deputy Chief, Office of External Affairs at (916) 324-6508 or email albert.rivas@cdcr.ca.gov
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Governor Brown Announces CDCR Leadership Appointments
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Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 |
For information about the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, please contact the Office of External Affairs at (916) 224-8137 or email Albert.Rivas@cdcr.ca.gov
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CDCR Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 12, 2016 | CONTACT: JOE ORLANDO (916) 445-4950 |
CDCR Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Honoring victims, survivors and those who protect their rights and serve their needsSACRAMENTO – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) observed National Crime Victims’ Rights Week today with a community event in Fremont Park, which included a ceremony and moment of silence to remember and honor victims, survivors and families affected by crime.
“I am very proud of CDCR's continued commitment to victims,” said CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan. “Victims and their advocates offer an important perspective and we help make sure their voices are clearly heard in the criminal justice system, specifically within CDCR. Our renewed focus on rehabilitating offenders will help reduce victimization.”
Today’s event was organized by CDCR’s Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS), which provides comprehensive services to crime victims and families. Other organizations in attendance included the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Parents of Murdered Children, Volunteers in Victim Assistance, Crime Victims Coalition, Citizens Against Homicide and Women Escaping a Violent Environment.
In California, victims of crime have rights, including notification of an offender’s status, participation in the juvenile and criminal justice processes, and reimbursement by the offender for costs related to their offense against a victim, to name a few. Formed in 1988, OVSRS offers services to crime victims and families, including outreach and restitution. OVSRS may also refer victims to agencies that provide counseling and support services.
Of note, in 2015 a total of $22,124,109 was collected in victim restitution and fines from adult and juvenile offenders. Collected funds are transferred to the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board for eventual disbursement to victims, as well as support of victim services programs statewide. Also last year, OVSRS staff assisted 2,062 victims and next-of-kin to attend their offender’s parole hearing process, either in person or via audio/video conferencing. In addition, OVSRS spent more than $80,000 to help more than 470 victims and families attend parole suitability hearings.
This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed from April 10 through April 16. For more information on other statewide events throughout the week, visit
www.cdcr.ca.gov/victim_services/docs/VictimsWk-calendar-2016.pdf. For more information on OVSRS, visit www.cdcr.ca.gov/Victim_Services/index.html.
For information about the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, please contact Albert Rivas, Deputy Chief, Office of External Affairs at (916) 324-6508 or by email at Albert.Rivas@cdcr.ca.gov
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South Korean correctional staff tour 3 California prisons
In the spirit of cooperation and learning, the South Korean government recently sent several prison employees to tour California correctional facilities.
After visiting San Quentin State Prison and the California Correctional Institution, the seven-member group from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Justice took a tour of the California State Prison, Sacramento (CSP-SAC).
Accompanied by an interpreter, the South Korean prison officials were greeted by Lt. Tony Quinn, Community Resources Manager Therese Giannelli and Jae Yang, Supervising Registered Nurse II.
Yang happens to be from Korea and still speaks the language, and so he acted as tour guide during some portions, making the flow of information much easier.
The delegation from South Korea included Daejeon Correctional Institution Vice Warden Jae-Ik Kim, Security Division official Jong-Sun Lee and other custody staff. Daejeon is the country’s largest prison, housing just over 3,000 inmates.
Chief Deputy Warden David Baughman explained the mission of the Level IV institution.
“We have a complex mission at CSP-SAC. Along with being a level IV institution, we also house inmates with severe mental illnesses. SAC staff is trained to be versatile and cognizant of an offender’s possible disability,” he said.
Baughman discussed the medical system, mental health and how CSP-SAC makes nearly 7,000 meals for the nearby Folsom State Prison and Folsom Women’s Facility.
Intrigued by the medical and mental health services, the delegation requested to visit those specific areas.
First, Lt. Quinn showed the group the minimum support facility, housing nearly 170 low-level inmates in two dormitories.
“The remainder of our 2,300 inmates are all level IV. Yes, it’s maximum security,” he explained to the delegation through their interpreter. “As we go through the rest of the institution, you are going to see less (inmate) movement and more staff presence.”
The delegates were shown the Psychiatric Services Unit, radiology, dental, triage, a housing unit and the A Facility yard.
The group also saw an Arts-in-Corrections volunteer teaching classical guitar to inmates in the housing unit.
“We have about 108 different classes per month like this through Arts in Corrections,” CRM Giannelli said. “Then we have other programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and religious programs, just to name a few. Over 1,000 hours per month are done by volunteers.”
Lt. Quinn also discussed some of the vocational training programs available to the low-level inmates.
“Providing a job skill is part of rehabilitative programs,” he explained. “Participation varies but we have about 100 inmates participating. We require they complete an education program, so they have to earn a GED or high school diploma.”
The health care improvements at CSP-SAC seemed to impress the delegation.
“They were very happy to learn about your health care system,” said interpreter Min. “They said this is the most advanced system they’ve ever seen. (The vice warden) is very impressed by your people working in this facility.”
During visits to the other two institutions, the delegation was shown different aspects of the state prison system.
“The conversation back and forth was good,” said Sgt. Christopher Siino, administrative assistant to San Quentin Warden Ron Davis. “During the tour I had an officer come over and explain the different types of protective equipment (and) the training the Department gives.”
They were also taken to the firing range for a demonstration.
At California Correctional Institution, the delegation was shown protective gear and given a tour of the facility led by Lt. Joshua Tyree.
"I took them to our Level I Sensitive Needs Yard Facility and we went into Van Wesson Hall. I had an Officer display the personal equipment that he was wearing on the yard and explained what each item was utilized for," Lt. Tyree said. "From there I took them to the Level 1 visiting where I displayed the two types of personal vests assigned to custody. They were very impressed with the difference in weight from the stab-resistant vest to the bullet-resistant vest."
The delegation also learned about CDCR's Crisis Response Teams (CRT).
"CRT Commander Lieutenant L. Machado briefed them on what CRT was and how they are used," Lt. Tyree said. "We provided them with hearing and eye protection and took them to the range (for a demonstration)."
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Richard J. Donovan Host Middle East Dignitaries
SAN DIEGO – Under the auspices of the United States, State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program, Lt. Philip Bracamonte greeted a delegation of nine foreign dignitaries from the Middle East for a planned visit of Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJDCF).
Through the use of the State Department Arabic Speaking interpreter, Warden Daniel Paramo explained the complex mission of the institution. Warden Paramo also spoke to the delegation about one of RJDCF’s primary functions which is to house and treat high risk medical inmates including inmates suffering from a mental illness. Warden Paramo went over the state’s classification levels and the fact that RJDCF houses both Low Level inmates to High Security Level IV inmates.
“Currently we average about 3200 inmates at RJDCF, and about 70% are in the mental health program.” Warden Paramo explained.
Warden Paramo also said, “With the construction of a new facility almost complete, soon our inmate population will increase by approximately 800 inmates, and so will our mental health population. This will mean RJDCF will have one of the highest populations of seriously mentally ill inmates to house and provide treatment for in the state.”
Lt. Bracamonte pointed out, “RJDCF averages about 30,000 scheduled health care appointments a month for medical and mental health treatment for inmates.” One member of the delegation inquired if that was for the whole state. “No, that is for just this institution.” Lt. Bracamonte said.
The delegation was particularly interested with how the institution deals with gang activity. Investigative Services Unit (ISU) Officers informed the group of the different methods for obtaining information critical to the safety and security of the institution and the public safety for communities outside of prison walls. ISU also told the delegation about how prison investigators often collaborate with other agencies both local and federal to combat criminal activity. Lt. Bracamonte explained the inmate due process both administrative and criminal as well as the inmate work incentive programs. Community Resource Manager Robert Brown talked about different rehabilitative programs and inmate voluntary programs available to inmates at the prison. One of the interesting programs was RJDCF’s service dog program, where inmates train services dogs for children with autism and military personnel suffering from PTSD.
The delegation toured the institution’s Prison Industry Authority where Lisa Gularte, Prison Industry Authority (PIA) Administrator talked about the different enterprises at the prison and explained the pay earned and job skills learned. Ms. Gularte informed the delegation the shoe factory was capable of producing up to 2, 000 shoes a day which are then delivered to other prisons.
While touring the Facility B recreational yard, members of the delegation were inquiring about the colored vest some inmates were wearing. Warden Paramo explained in detail to the delegation the American Disability Act (ADA). He informed the group, the colored vests identify certain inmates as members of ADA and prison staff will provide inmates with equal access to services and provide effective communication.
Members of the delegation spoke with some of the Substance Abuse Treatment Counselors, while visiting the treatment area. RJDCF’s Principal Kathy Balakian also talked to the delegation about Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at the prison. Some inmates that participate in these CTE programs can receive certificates that can be utilized when they are released from prison.
At the conclusion of the visit the interpreter wanted the Warden to know that the delegation expressed their gratitude to him and his staff. Saying they know he is a busy man with having to manage all the different operations at the prison, but were extremely grateful to him for making time for them. They also said they were very impressed with staff and thankful for their hospitality.
For more information about RJDCF, please contact Lt. Philip Bracamonte at (619) 661-6500 or email Philip.Bracamonte@cdcr.ca.gov
To learn more about the CDCR or to inquire about facility tours, please contact Albert Rivas, Deputy Chief, Office of External Affairs at (916) 445-4950 or email Albert.Rivas@cdcr.ca.gov
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Governor Brown Announces Appointments
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| Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 |
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CDCR partners with Each Mind Matters Campaign
May is Mental Health Month, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is sporting the lime green ribbon to reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems and encourage support. In collaboration with California’s Mental Health Movement: Each Mind Matters, CDCR rallied around programs to promote a community conversation.
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Looking for more tools and resources related to California’s Mental Health Movement? Make sure to visit www.eachmindmatters.org for more information about how to support someone with behavioral health needs or to have a positive impact in your community.
Each Mind Matters campaign emphasizes the importance of these resources for offenders, and encourages information sharing and support amongst friends, families, colleagues and communities.
“Even though one in four Californians will experience a diagnosable mental health problem in any given year and over half of us will at some point during our lifetime, a survey of Californians found that 75 percent of us would definitely or probably hide a mental health problem from coworkers or classmates.
Considering that mental health problems are treatable and most people experience recovery, these numbers are a concern and we should be part of the solution in changing them,” Secretary Scott Kernan added.
Secretary Scott Kernan
Photo by Scott Sabicer
Photo by Scott Sabicer
In recognition of CDCR’s May is Mental Health month, representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Know the Signs, California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), Disability Rights California (DRC) and Wellness Works agencies participated in the event.
Among the exhibiters was the Office of Employee Health and Wellness, CDCR. The office serves as an outlet within the Department to provide suicide prevention, program services such as peer support or employee assistance, including other services to staff state-wide.
Among the exhibiters was the Office of Employee Health and Wellness, CDCR. The office serves as an outlet within the Department to provide suicide prevention, program services such as peer support or employee assistance, including other services to staff state-wide.
Looking for more tools and resources related to California’s Mental Health Movement? Make sure to visit www.eachmindmatters.org for more information about how to support someone with behavioral health needs or to have a positive impact in your community.
For assistance or information or about CDCR, please call the Office of External Affairs at
(916) 445-4950.
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CDCR Launches Live Chat Service for Victims
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS), is pleased to announce Live Chat victim services.
Victims and concerned citizens are encouraged to access the new Live Chat feature by visiting www.CDCR.CA.gov/victims. Live Chat will connect the public directly to an OVSRS staff member during regular business hours to ask questions about victim services or to stay informed about offender locations. As a trial period, Live Chat will be available through June 30, 2016. The new technology is designed to provide convenient confidential service from various devices including a smart phone and a computer.
OVSRS is committed to providing crime victims and their families with a voice while serving to increase awareness about the criminal justice system. Staff will remain available by phone at
(877) 256-6877.
For assistance with the CDCR, please contact the Office of External Affairs at (916) 445-4950.
Victims and concerned citizens are encouraged to access the new Live Chat feature by visiting www.CDCR.CA.gov/victims. Live Chat will connect the public directly to an OVSRS staff member during regular business hours to ask questions about victim services or to stay informed about offender locations. As a trial period, Live Chat will be available through June 30, 2016. The new technology is designed to provide convenient confidential service from various devices including a smart phone and a computer.
OVSRS is committed to providing crime victims and their families with a voice while serving to increase awareness about the criminal justice system. Staff will remain available by phone at
(877) 256-6877.
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Death Row Inmate Attacks San Quentin Correctional Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 2016 | Contact: Sam Robinson (415) 455-5008 or Terry Thornton (916) 445-4950 |
Death Row Inmate Attacks San Quentin Correctional Officer
SAN QUENTIN – Condemned inmate Jesse Manzo, 27, attacked a correctional officer at San Quentin State Prison Thursday evening as he was being returned from the shower to his cell.
Investigators at San Quentin have launched a probe into the attack that occurred just after 5 p.m. as the officer was escorting the inmate from the shower in the prison’s East Block Housing Unit. Manzo slipped out of an open handcuff and used it to strike the officer several times.
The officer suffered cuts and wounds and a significant facial injury. The officer was taken to an outside hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.
The East Block Housing Unit is one of five units in the prison where male inmates on California’s Death Row are housed.
Manzo, a self-admitted gang member, was sentenced to death in Riverside County on Aug. 2, 2013. He was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2008 gang-related hate crime killing of Raymond Franklin. Manzo has been on California’s Death Row since Aug. 12, 2013.
As of May 12, there are 747 inmates on Death Row in California. San Quentin, opened in 1852, is California's oldest correctional institution. The prison houses 4,056 inmates and employs 1,644 people.
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CDCR Carries Torch for Special Olympics
Undersecretary to speak on steps of State Capitol
SACRAMENTO— California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Undersecretary Diana Toche will join Sacramento law enforcement agencies for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Summer Games.
Also joining the morning run from CDCR are Assistant Secretary of Communications, Jeffrey Callison, and Fernando Mata and Genoveva Michel of the Division of Adult Parole Operations.
In the evening, Mule Creek State Prison Warden, Joe Lizarraga, will carry the carry the "Flame of Hope" and light the Special Olympics Cauldron. CDCR was recognized as the highest fundraising law enforcement agency in 2015 after raising $152,000 statewide to benefit Special Olympics. Mule Creek State Prison staff and inmates contributed $30,000, making them the highest fundraising CDCR institution.
What: | Law Enforcement Torch Run and Northern California Summer Games Opening Ceremony |
When: | Friday, June 24, 2016 Torch run begins at Beale’s Point at 5:30 a.m. Ends at the State Capitol at 10 a.m. Final leg (Sacramento State University to Capitol): 9:30 a.m. Capitol Speakers: 10-11 a.m. West Steps, State Capitol Opening Ceremony/torch lighting: 7 p.m. UC Davis, 1 Shields Ave., Davis |
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CDCR is now Accepting Correctional Officer Applications
The Office of Peace Officer Selection (OPOS) is now accepting Correctional Officer applications. The application period will remain open until another 10,000 applications have been received and then pause again while those applications are processed through the written exam, supplemental application and physical fitness test.
By closing and reopening, OPOS is utilizing Lean Six Sigma principles to reduce “work in progress” and create a “pull system” where the right number of candidates are delivered to the initial selection components at the right time to process. The pull system reduces candidate wait time in the process from application to physical fitness test from as long as 10 months down to approximately three months.
With the shorter wait time, it is important candidates begin preparing for the written exam and physical fitness test on the day they apply, or sooner. Links to a sample of the written exam and a description of the PFT and video are available at Selection Components.
For information about the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, please contact the Office of External Affairs at (916) 445-4950.
By closing and reopening, OPOS is utilizing Lean Six Sigma principles to reduce “work in progress” and create a “pull system” where the right number of candidates are delivered to the initial selection components at the right time to process. The pull system reduces candidate wait time in the process from application to physical fitness test from as long as 10 months down to approximately three months.
With the shorter wait time, it is important candidates begin preparing for the written exam and physical fitness test on the day they apply, or sooner. Links to a sample of the written exam and a description of the PFT and video are available at Selection Components.
For information about the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, please contact the Office of External Affairs at (916) 445-4950.
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CDCR Recognizes LA County DA and local leaders with COMIO Best Practices Award
Secretary Scott Kernan Recognizes
LA County DA and local leaders
with COMIO Best Practices Award
By Albert Rivas, Deputy Chief
Office of External Affairs
Office of External Affairs
The Council on Mentally Ill Offenders (COMIO) recognized Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey's Office and the Los Angeles County Mental Health Advisory Board with a COMIO Best Practices Award for the Blueprint for Change. The Blueprint for Change is an implementation plan for a comprehensive system of diversion from incarceration for youth and adults with mental illness.
Secretary Scott Kernan of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation awarded Lacey's office with the distinguished COMIO Best Practices Award. Kernan serves as COMIO Chairman.
Secretary Scott Kernan and
Tracey Whitney, Deputy District Attorney
Tracey Whitney, Deputy District Attorney
“Los Angeles County staff work hard to make a difference. Through their dedication the Blueprint for Change has led to measurable success, and through effective collaboration has made a positive impact on those living with mental illness,” said Secretary Scott Kernan when presenting the award.
Stephanie Welch, COMIO’s Executive Officer, and board members help recognize county agencies and community-based organizations that support behavioral health services as they work to reduce unnecessary incarceration of people living with mental health challenges.
Stephanie Welch, Executive Officer
“Incarceration is one of the worst outcomes of untreated mental illness. I applaud District Attorney Lacey’s office and all of the leaders in Los Angeles County for their hard work and commitment to tackle such challenging social problems,” said Stephanie Welch. “I’m confident that with the implementation of the sequential intercept model supported by innovative services, significant strides in preventing youth and adult incarceration will be achieved.”
The Office of Diversion and Reentry was created by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to provide long-term oversight and coordination support. In addition to the county’s initial investment of $120 million, at least $10 million in annual funding will be provided to the office. A substantial portion of these funds will come from the reallocation of money from two public safety-related state laws, SB 678 and AB 109.
The funds will divert low-risk offenders with serious mental illness and substance abuse disorders from incarceration by providing services and expertise in housing, health, mental health, alcohol and drug prevention, and legal assistance. Former Judge Peter Espinoza will serve as the new director.
To learn more about COMIO, please visit www.cdcr.ca.gov/comio. For information about the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, please contact the Office of External Affairs at (916) 445-4950 or OEA.
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Seven More California Prisons Accredited with the American Correctional Association
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Terry Thornton
August 8, 2016 (916) 445-4950
Seven More California Prisons Accredited with the
American Correctional Association
American Correctional Association
With 30 California prisons now accredited, CDCR on track to have
all adult institutions accredited by 2017
all adult institutions accredited by 2017
SACRAMENTO – The Commission on Accreditation for Corrections accredited seven more California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) prisons, bringing the total number of accredited state prisons to 30. The most recent round of accreditations was announced yesterday during the American Correctional Association’s (ACA) 146th Congress of Corrections in Boston.
“Our success with accreditation is proof of the progress CDCR is making in improving our prison system,” said CDCR Secretary Scott Kernan. “We started this ACA process six years ago at a time when there were still too many inmates in our prisons and too few resources to rehabilitate them. ACA accreditation demonstrates our efforts to reform and improve California’s correctional system are working well.”
Institutions seeking accreditation must undergo intensive evaluations by the ACA that culminate in the accreditation audit, a comprehensive assessment that encompasses every area of prison management including administrative and fiscal controls, staff training and development, the physical plant, safety and emergency procedures, conditions of confinement, rules and discipline, inmate programs, health care, food service, sanitation, and the provision of basic services affecting the life, safety and health of inmates and staff.
Institutions seeking accreditation have to comply with 525 ACA standards and score 100 percent for 62 mandatory requirements and at least 90 percent on 463 non-mandatory requirements. Half of the mandatory standards address health care.
California Correctional Center, California Institution for Men, California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran, Calipatria State Prison, Pleasant Valley State Prison, Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility and Valley State Prison met all of the mandatory requirements and considerably surpassed the 90 percent mark for non-mandatory items.
In addition, Correctional Training Facility, High Desert State Prison, Mule Creek State Prison, North Kern State Prison and Pelican Bay State Prison – accredited in 2013– were re-accredited for three more years.
For the non-mandatory requirements, California Correctional Center received a score of 98.3 percent, California Institution for Men received 98.0 percent, California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran received 99.1 percent, Calipatria State Prison received 98.8 percent, Pleasant Valley State Prison received 99.3 percent, Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility received 97.7 percent and Valley State Prison received 99.3 percent.
California City Correctional Facility, California Correctional Institution, California Health Care Facility, California Rehabilitation Center and Deuel Vocational Institution have started the process of seeking accreditation in 2017. In addition, the eight institutions accredited in 2014 will seek reaccreditation.
Founded in 1870, the ACA is the leading internationally recognized authority on corrections and its role in the criminal justice system and in society. It develops standards based on valid, reliable research designed to improve correctional facilities on all levels. The ACA facilitates the accreditation process and its Commission on Accreditation for Corrections certifies prisons. ACA standards have been integrated in more than 1,300 facilities and agencies around the world.
CDCR began the process of seeking nationally recognized accreditation from the ACA in 2010. CDCR is slated to accomplish its goal of having all of its 34 state-owned institutions and one leased prison accredited by next year.
CDCR’s Special Review Unit in the Office of Audits and Court Compliance provides departmental oversight and works with its Division of Health Care Services in the accreditation process.
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