Officials from the Netherlands Ministry of Justice recently toured the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) and Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) in Soledad.
The tours, led by CTF Public Information Officer Lt. Landrum and SVSP Lt. Fonseca, aimed to explore how CDCR manages large prison populations and offers innovative programs.
Netherlands Ministry of Justice learns CDCR methods


The visiting officials focused on CTF’s non-designated programming facilities and observed how SVSP supports the California Model. They were impressed by pillars of the California Model including normalization and dynamic security.
“We’re amazed at how California manages such large populations while offering so many programs, promoting family reunification, and supporting staff wellness,” said one Netherlands official. “We hope to take some of these concepts back to our system.”
The visit left the Netherlands delegation inspired, saying they plan to explore some of CDCR’s successful strategies in their own correctional facilities.
Story by David Maldonado, Deputy Chief
Strategic Communications and External Affairs
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Read more rehabilitation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
Watch: From farm to tray: CDCR’s Farm to Corrections impact
Nearly six years of collaboration among correctional leaders, local farmers, and community organizations came into focus during the recent stakeholder…
Canine Companion puppies begin Kern Valley program
Kern Valley State Prison has implemented a new Canine Companion dog training program on their Level III Non-Designated Program Facility.…
Watch: Paws on a Mission finds meaning in training
The Paws on a Mission program at California State Prison-Solano provides incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to train rescue dogs.…
RJD hosts Low and Slow Car Show for staff, incarcerated
The RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) successfully hosted its third annual Low and Slow Car Show. The June 3 event,…
CMC’s Cuesta Camp trains for 2026 fire season
Cuesta Conservation Camp at California Men’s Colony (CMC) held their annual fire preparedness drills to be ready for the 2026…
Eel River hosts 18th Redwood Coast Fire Preparedness Exercise
The 18th annual Redwood Coast Fire Preparedness Exercise was successfully conducted by CAL FIRE personnel assigned to Eel River Conservation…