The Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) Resource Team, a crucial force within the California Model, has been redefining the landscape of corrections. Established in 2022, this team has emerged as a driving force in fostering healing, positive communication, and improved living and working conditions in the state’s prisons.
Mission and commitment
The Resource Team at SVSP Psychiatric Inpatient Program (PIP) is on a mission to create a transformative environment for incarcerated individuals with mental illnesses. They are the bridge connecting staff and the incarcerated population, facilitating open and regular communication. But what truly sets them apart is their commitment to understanding the unique needs of each incarcerated patient and crafting personalized treatment plans.
Inspiration and success
This team draws its inspiration from the Norwegian Correctional System and has already achieved remarkable success. Even with patients who rarely engage with staff or others, they have made substantial progress. The very existence of the Resource Team defied expectations, proving that positive change is indeed possible, even in the face of the most challenging circumstances.
The power of collaboration
Collaboration is the basis of the Resource Team’s accomplishments. They skillfully unite custody, medical, and mental health disciplines to provide comprehensive support, emphasizing that success in corrections requires an all-encompassing approach.
Pioneering the future
With each achievement, the SVSP Resource Team pioneers the way forward for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS).
A personal perspective
“I hope others catch on, hop on board and recognize the need for change in the way we do corrections. It’s very rewarding, it feels good, and if something feels good, why not keep doing it?” said Sgt. Bielanski, SVSP Resource Team.
Learn more about the California Model on the CDCR website.
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