Week in Review: February 7, 2025

February 7, 2025

In this Week in Review for February 7, we highlight scholarships for children of correctional employees and a new allegation resolution unit.

What’s New

2025 Susan Hunter Scholarship Application Now Open

The Susan M. Hunter Correctional Scholarship is named in honor of the former director of the Prisons Division at the National Institute of Corrections. In 2025, scholarship amounts will be $1,500 for undergraduate and graduate students and $1,000 for individuals who received a $1,500 scholarship the previous year.

Students must be the child of a corrections employee (current full-time, retired, or deceased) within any Correctional Leaders Association member department of corrections or jail/prison system.

Learn more and apply on their website at: https://www.correctionalleaders.com/smh-scholarship

DAI Activated a New Unit: Centralized Allegation Resolution Unit (CARU)

The Division of Adult Institutions activated the Centralized Allegation Resolution Unit (CARU) Jan. 2. The CARU processes investigations of staff misconduct at Armstrong Six institutions, which are completed by the Allegation Investigation Unit (AIU).

DAI, CARU group of individuals in front of an office building

The CARU is divided regionally into three locations: Northern, Central, and Southern California. It assists the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) in objectively and comprehensively addressing allegations of staff misconduct in an accessible, responsive, and meaningful way. AIU routes all completed investigations of staff misconduct at the Armstrong Six institutions to CARU for final review and determination, following current CDCR policies and procedures.

Observances

Honoring Black History Month

Governor Newsom proclaims Black History Month 2025. Learn more: Governor Newsom proclaims Black History Month 2025 | Governor of California

Three leaders from CDCR for Black History Month. — Staff through the years: Walter Gordon, who served on the Board of Prison Terms, left; Warden Teena Farmon, center; and Ruth Rushen, the first African American director and first woman of the department.

From correctional officers to prison leadership, the contributions of Black staff are numerous. The following tales are only a small sample. Read the full story.

Honoring Our Chaplains on Global Chaplains Day

In recognition of Global Chaplains Day, observed Feb. 1, we express our sincere appreciation for the more than 100 dedicated chaplains, Native American spiritual leaders (NASLs), and spiritual volunteers serving within CDCR.

Our chaplains, NASLs, and volunteers serve as beacons of hope, offering faith-based support, counseling, and mentorship to individuals navigating the challenges of incarceration. Their work fosters healing, accountability, and personal growth, reinforcing the department’s commitment to the California Model and successful reintegration into society. Through their compassionate presence, they remind us of the power of faith, redemption, and the human capacity for change.

We extend our deepest gratitude to these dedicated individuals for their service, resilience, and commitment to making a difference. Their contributions do not go unnoticed, and their efforts continue to inspire and uplift those in need.

Thank you for all that you do.

Learn more about Global Chaplains Day on the Global Chaplains Alliance website.

Submitted by Tanisha Worthy, Community Resource Manager, Division of Adult Institutions

Fire Response

CSP-SAC Incarcerated Individuals Raise Funds for Wildfire Victims

Public Information Officer and Incarcerated person holding donation check

Incarcerated individuals in the general population at California State Prison, Sacramento (CSP-SAC), raised $2,726 in monetary donations for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.

C Facility Associate Warden Ralph Jackson, CRM Nikki Gunter, and Public Information Officer Lt. David Gonzales coordinated with the American Red Cross and incarcerated individuals to facilitate the donation.

The fundraising effort was led by C Facility general population PSSP workers, who collaborated across racial and Security Threat Group (STG) lines to gather contributions for the cause.

The general population took great pride in their efforts to support those in need.

In Our Institutions

CIM sees 55 graduate education programs

A correctional officer with four incarcerated students after their education graduation.

California Institution for Men (CIM) staff and guests saw 55 students graduate education programs. Families, friends, and community partners attended the late-December ceremony. Watch the video and read the story.

Murals brighten CSP Los Angeles County

Murals a California State Prison, Los Angeles County, with tentacles, eyes, buildings, and barbed wire.

Murals at California State Prison, Los Angeles County, are brightening the environment for those who live and work in the institution. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. Trying to change the culture (of) prison,” said Maurice Williams, incarcerated mural artist. Watch the video.

Pleasant Valley State Prison Celebrates Trauma Talks Graduates

Representatives from Trauma Talks speaking to seated graduates from PV

Michael “Mike” Todd and Ted “Edward” Kamp, representatives of Trauma Talks from the Compassion Prison Project, visited Pleasant Valley State Prison’s Facility B to celebrate 14 graduates.

The ceremony took place in the gym, where graduates enjoyed pizza, music, and words of support from Facility B Capt. D. Crane.

Mike shared his experience of 27 years of incarceration, his journey through parole suitability, and his release just two years ago.

Trauma Talks is a 12-part series designed to help participants understand childhood trauma and pathways to healing.

The program emphasizes awareness—exploring personal trauma, understanding its effects on the brain and body, and learning tools for recovery through video lessons and workbooks.

Pleasant Valley State Prison commends these men for their willingness to be vulnerable and their commitment to transformation.

San Quentin Honors Shining Stars for Positive Impact and Community Unity

San Quentin Shining Stars staff and incarcerated individuals

San Quentin State Prison hosted its monthly Shining Star event on Jan. 28, recognizing staff members who positively impact incarcerated individuals. This month introduced the Super Shining Stars category, honoring those consistently nominated for outstanding contributions.

Incarcerated individual Juan Haines shared his appreciation, stating, “There are correctional officers at this institution that I have had multiple conversations with, and for me, it’s an honor to say that my interactions with the offers here are 99.9% positive. Nothing is perfect, but these correctional officers are recognized by us as shining stars.” He then invited Officer E. Weaver to the stage for recognition.

Another presenter highlighted the event’s unique role in fostering unity and stated, “Not every day do you get to sit around with the Warden, administration, medical staff, and teachers,” as he announced W. Fisher, a Mount Tamalpais General Math teacher, as a Shining Star recipient.

The event continues to grow, emphasizing unity and rehabilitation. Participants thanked San Quentin’s medical staff for creating a space to recognize those who support incarcerated individuals’ progress. The Shining Star initiative fosters hope and collaboration, reinforcing the power of positive relationships within the prison community.

CCHCS

In partnership with the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR), CDCR and CCHCS are proud to announce the State Personnel Board’s (SPB) establishment of a new series for mental health professionals that includes the following positions

Clinical Counselor
Clinical Counselor Supervisor I
Clinical Counselor Supervisor II
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor I
Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor II

Details about the new classifications and the examination process can be found at https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Search/ExamSearch.aspx.

This important step expands CDCR and CCHCS’s ability to recruit highly skilled mental health professionals across California to meet the growing needs of the incarcerated population. By offering these new classifications, CDCR and CCHCS aim to provide enhanced mental health services, reduce recidivism through therapeutic interventions, and improve overall health outcomes for individuals in state custody.

“Expanding our mental health workforce is critical to ensuring the well-being of our population and creating pathways for rehabilitation,” said Dr. Diana Toche, Undersecretary, Health Care Services, CDCR/CCHCS. “The creation of these new classifications demonstrates our commitment to building a stronger, more comprehensive system of care and reflects the value we place on mental health clinicians as essential partners in this effort.”

For more information on career opportunities with CDCR and CCHCS, please visit cchcs.ca.gov/careers and cdcr.ca.gov/careers/.

In the Media

Royal Ramey talks fire program on Daily Show

Royal Ramey wears a uniform while sitting across a desk from Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. — Royal Ramey, left, CEO and co-founder of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, discusses his journey with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. (Image courtesy Comedy Central/Paramount)

On The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Royal Ramey discussed his time on an incarcerated fire crew and how he’s now helping others. Ramey is the co-founder and CEO of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), a non-profit organization training incarcerated persons to prepare them for forestry careers. Read the full story.

CDCR video

Jelly Roll Holds Private Concert for First Responders, CDCR Fire Crews

On Feb. 1, the Rose Bowl Stadium served as a gathering point for nearly 16,000 emergency personnel, including over 184 incarcerated fire crews from various conservation camps across California. Titled “A Concert for All First Responders,” the event featured Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Jelly Roll and was organized in partnership with Live Nation. This concert aimed to express gratitude to wildfire first responders and cover the costs associated with the event.

“Being recognized for the hard work we did out on the Palisades and the Eaton Fire, is a good feeling,” said Correctional Officer Thomas Collins from Prado Conservation Camp.

A total of 35 staff members from various CDCR Conservation Camps participated in the concert alongside the fire crews from several camps, including Pine Grove, Cuesta, Prado, Oak Glen, Bautista, Acton, Francisquito, Holton, and Julius Klein Conservation Camps.

Jelly Roll holds private Rose Bowl concert for 1st responders, CDCR fire crews | KTLA