A collaboration of staff and mentors is transforming Valley State Prison (VSP) in all the right ways. The Youthful Offender Program (YOP) tailors rehabilitation to the needs of younger incarcerated people by using more experienced incarcerated people as peer mentors.
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VSP staff receive specialized training in working with this population, acting as mentors and advisers themselves.
This unique approach to rehabilitation is in line with the California Model, which seeks to empower incarcerated individuals to use their lived experiences to mentor and support their peers.
Beyond peer mentorship, VSP has embraced the California Model as a whole, providing rehabilitative programs and opportunities that more closely resemble outside communities. From therapeutic horse programs to intensive cognitive behavioral courses, VSP is committed to positive, long-term change.
As CDCR Unlocked found out while visiting VSP, none of it is possible without enthusiastic staff and supportive leadership. Correctional Counselor Liz Alva credits the “perfect recipe” of mentors, mentees and employees for the transformation underway at VSP.
VSP is an example of CDCR working to implement the California Model’s pillars statewide.
Produced by Jeff Baur, TV Director (Specialist)
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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