The California Model - A New Era for San Quentin
Did you know that San Quentin is the oldest prison in California? It opened in 1852. San Quentin has capacity for 3,100 inmates, but is currently at a crowded 3,500.
At the June 12th Club Meeting, Past President Rod Linhares gave a riveting and informative account of his recent visit to San Quentin which is undergoing a change in focus and mission. Based on the Norway Model which concentrates on incarceration, recovery & rehabilitation, the California Prison System has moved to the California Model which has 4 pillars:
- Positive Interactions
- Focus on making life "inside" resemble "life" outside
- Peer support
- Recognize trauma impacts/Increase safety
As San Quentin begins the transition to the new model, life inside focuses on daily, meaningful interactions between staff and inmates, including art, sports, debate, and other activities. The day Rod visited, a Father Daughter Dance was rocking the scene. Early results of the transition indicate violence against staff has been reduced and inmate self-harm has been cut in half.
To read more about the California Model, click on the link below.
