The California Model will enhance the overall wellness of our dedicated employees, as well as provide a more normalized, humane environment for the people in our care.
Leaders speak to benefits of normalization, dynamic security
A transformation is underway within the California’s correctional system. At its core, the California Model is aimed to be a paradigm shift, a transformation that will ripple through every correctional facility in the state.
The time for a change is now and CDCR, inspired by international best practices, is committed to reimagining the correctional landscape.
One of the California Model’s cornerstones is “dynamic security,” a concept that seeks to build bridges between employees and incarcerated people. Correctional staff, long seen as enforcers of rules, are becoming mentors and allies in the journey toward rehabilitation and enhancing public safety.
A commitment to being a “trauma-informed organization” is another pillar. The California Model recognizes many individuals who live and work in correctional settings have endured deeply traumatic experiences. By fostering understanding and providing support, the goal is to create an environment that helps heal rather than exacerbate wounds.
As the California Model takes shape, so will a new era of training. Employees will engage in innovative programs designed to equip them with the skills needed to implement these transformative initiatives effectively.
The atmosphere within California’s correctional facilities has been shifting toward rehabilitation and normalization for many years. The California Model complements this shift by creating working environments that are less stressful and more conducive to personal growth.
The California Model’s ambitions extend beyond prison walls. It seeks to reshape policies and norms, ensuring that rehabilitation is not just a word but a guiding principle. Our goal is to create a system where people have a real chance at turning their lives around, with the support of employees, family and friends, and program provider partners.
The journey is not without its challenges. The complexities of enacting large-scale change are real. As we work together, the vision of a better, more humane corrections system will persist.
The California Model is not a quick fix but a transformation that will unfold over years. It is more than a reform initiative – it is a symbol of hope and progress.
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