Week in Review: July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

In this issue of Week in Review for July 26, 2024: Governor honors Parole Supervision Wee and High Desert celebrates graduations.

Observations

Governor honors Parole Supervision Week

Parole supervision week Seal of the 40th Governor of California

Governor Gavin Newsom has recognized July 21-27 as Parole Supervision Week.

Parole professionals play a crucial role in supporting public safety and aiding the successful reintegration of individuals under their care back into society. By equipping these individuals with the tools necessary for a healthy, constructive and drug-free lifestyle, parole professionals serve as role models and empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives.

Parole professionals uphold public safety while promoting the well-being of those in their care. Their work goes beyond supervision, it encompasses providing essential education, comprehensive treatment and engagement in rehabilitative initiatives. This support instills hope and fosters responsibility, creating an environment for personal growth. Parole also serves as an avenue for families to reconnect, helping to rebuild relationships and strengthen family bonds.

Parole professionals are key partners with community-based organizations, social services and law enforcement, all working together to support public safety. These partnerships promote a holistic approach towards community safety and drive innovative services. Parole professionals also work closely with victims of crime, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are respected.

During Parole Supervision Week this year, we focus on the importance of employee wellness and work-life balance. The work of our parole professionals is dynamic and challenging, and it is essential that they take care of themselves to continue providing this essential service. As this field continues to evolve, the tireless work and innovative thinking of our parole professionals keeps us at the forefront of efforts to promote community healing and restoration.

I encourage all Californians to join me in recognizing the immense contributions of parole professionals as a force for positive change in the lives of those they supervise and in communities across California.

International Self-Care Day

International Self-Care Day, observed on July 24, highlights the importance of taking care of oneself to maintain overall well-being. It’s a reminder that self-care comes in many forms and doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s getting outside, connecting with friends, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply, self-care can improve relationships, reduce stress, and boost productivity. Today, take a few minutes to do something that brings you joy and enhances your well-being. Start with a small action, like a short walk or a mindful breathing exercise. This way you can experience the positive impact of self-care.

National Disability Independence Day

National Disability Independence Day is celebrated annually July 26 to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) in 1990. This act guarantees certain rights for Americans with physical and intellectual disabilities. It als dismantled numerous barriers for people with disabilities. For example, this law led to more accessible infrastructure, including wider doorways, inclusive bathrooms, braille signage, and safe crosswalks for the visually impaired.

Easter seals created a powerful media campaign during this time to raise awareness of accessibility and discrimination battles people with disabilities experienced. The Easter seals campaign put in stark reality the day-to-day experience of disabled Americans.

We recognize the importance of these advancements in promoting inclusivity within its work environment. Join us in celebrating the freedoms and advancements inspired by the ADA.

Submission by GARE Ambassador Lori Reimers and Francisco Velasquez

To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE Ambassadors are sharing celebrations and awareness days throughout the year. To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts visit the GARE website.

Division of Adult Parole Operations

Celebrating Parole Supervision Week 2024

This year marks the 25th annual Parole Supervision Week, a time to honor and recognize the dedicated professionals in pretrial, probation, and parole throughout California and the nation. These individuals play a crucial role in keeping the public safe and helping people reintegrate into society. Through their compassion, courage, and heroism, they act as role models, providing those under their care with the tools needed for a healthy, constructive, and drug-free lifestyle.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Meet Ms. Mitchell, DAPO Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker

“When you make a difference in a client’s life, you know it,” Mitchell said about her job as a Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker. She’s with the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) Behavioral Health Reintegration (BHR) program.

Mitchell is assigned to the Redding Parole Unit and is instrumental in assisting individuals released from prison and assigned to parole supervision. She initiates connections to mental health services and other resources necessary for successful reentry into their communities.

Visit Inside CDCR to read the full story.

Women Empowerment at the Pomona Parole Complex

Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) San Gabriel Valley District hosted the Women Empowerment event at the Pomona Parole Complex. Pomona Day Reporting Center (DRC) Supervising Case Manager Mechelle Siles assisted the event with staff from Women in Progress and Project Resilience. This month’s meeting included a paint and plant project for the female population.

Formerly incarcerated women painted planter pots, expressing themselves through art. They carefully chose colors and themes to create beautiful pieces. There was an open discussion about the healing nature of caring for a plant.

“It’s a rewarding experience to see the plants thrive and grow, knowing you are responsible for their well-being,” said Siles.

Rehabilitation

incarcerated student shaking hands with cdcr staff

HDSP celebrates multiple graduations

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) hosted four separate education graduations. The graduations celebrated general education, high school diploma, and associate degrees recipients.

The graduates received their diplomas in front of family, friends, and staff. The graduation ceremonies were live streamed for anyone who could not attend in person.

“I believe education is the foundation of everything you accomplish in life. Knowledge is power, the more knowledge you have can lead you to success,” said HDSP Warden St. André.

Lake Tahoe Community College, Mountain View Adult School, Lassen Community College, and Feather River College contributed to the success of the students. Following the ceremonies, the graduates, guests, and staff participated in a reception which included cake, drinks, and photos.

Upward Mobility

Daniel E. Cueva has been appointed Warden of the California Medical Facility by Governor Newsom.
O’Brian Bailey has been assigned as acting Warden at the Valley State Prison.
Raul Morales has been assigned as acting Warden at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility.

CCJBH

Juvenile Justice Toolkit

In April 2024, CCJBH completed a major project with the RAND Corporation, resulting in the creation of the Juvenile Justice Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to help California counties better serve high-needs youth, previously served by the Division of Juvenile Justice, but are now served by County Probation Departments due to SB 823 Juvenile Justice Realignment.

Additionally, the comprehensive California Juvenile Justice Methods for Development Report details the toolkit’s development process. The Office of Youth and Community Restoration will now lead the next phase, providing technical assistance and support for counties implementing these interventions.

Visit the CCJBH projects page to learn more.

In the Media

‘Uncuffed’ after 30 years: Incarcerated host of KALW podcast Greg Eskridge makes parole

One of the leading incarcerated voices helping to humanize California prisoners, is being paroled after 30 years.

Greg Eskridge, the incarcerated host of KALW’s audio storytelling program “Uncuffed,” was released from the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday.

“I wasn’t supposed to go before a parole board until the year 2048,” said Eskridge. “The only other option would have been an elderly parole hearing after I turn 60.”

Visit Local News Matters website to read the full story.

Better futures in the bag: Rehabilitation packs foster healing mission at San Quentin

Almost 3,000 incarcerated individuals at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center are receiving free backpacks and stationery supplies, courtesy of The People in Blue (TPIB).

The Special Incarcerated Group, working to help change the culture in California prisons, got permission from CDCR to give every incarcerated individual a free backpack as part of an orientation event they put on at San Quentin.

Visit Local News Matters website to read the full story.

The next generation of firefighters learned how to fight fires while in prison

California has long relied on its prison population to help fight wildfires. It is one of at least 14 states operating fire camps for incarcerated people to train to fight fires.

It’s an alternative sentencing option — an opportunity to serve the public as wildfires become increasingly urgent.

For some who attend fire camp, it becomes a pathway to a life calling.

Visit NPR’s website to read the full story.