Get on the Bus fosters family ties at CDCR prisons

August 5, 2025

Children enjoy quality time with their incarcerated loved one at Salinas Valley State Prison.

Thanks to volunteers and sponsors, the Get on the Bus program is strengthening family ties at CDCR prisons.

So far, institutions who submitted event information and photos include: the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran, the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad, and Salinas Valley State Prison.

If your institution took part in the program, submit information to Don Chaddock and Emily Idleman (emails in Global) no later than two weeks after the event.

SATF hosts Get on the Bus

Get on the Bus strengthen family ties at California prisons, including SATF in Corcoran.

An incarcerated person hugs a child while another adult sits nearby.

The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran hosted a Get on the Bus family visiting event July 24.

Get on the Bus, part of the Center for Restorative Justice Works, partnered with the prison to host the event. The organization transported families from the Los Angeles area who otherwise have difficulties making the trip to the institution.

Children of all ages take part in program each year ranging in ages from newborns to young adults. This year 35 incarcerated persons welcomed 81 family visitors. They enjoyed games, breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day, offered by the organization.

They were able to play beanbag toss, soccer, catch, and painted faces with their children. Incarcerated persons said they enjoyed walking around with their family, grabbing lunch and visiting with them in the patio area.

Warden Raul Morales also stopped by to greet the visiting families.

At the end of the visit, each incarcerated loved one was able to give a stuffed bear to their child.

Thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors, the program is provided by the organization at low or no cost to families. Other than staff time overseeing visiting, there is also no additional cost to the institution.

Submitted by Lt. K. Cade

Families reconnect at CTF-Soledad

In incarcerated person carries a baby during the family visiting Get on the Bus event at the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad, Calif., Aug. 2, 2025.

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad welcomed 50 children and their families for the Get on the Bus event held Aug. 2 on Facility C. This program supports children who have incarcerated parents, strengthening family ties. Coordinated by CDCR and the Center for Restorative Justice Works, the event provides transportation, meals, comfort kits, and keepsake photos. Families enjoyed a catered meal from a local restaurant, participated in family activities, and captured special moments together at a photo booth. Each child received a stuffed animal and a letter from their father, helping strengthen family bonds while creatin lasting memories.

“Family connection is vital to rehabilitation and healing,” said Warden Edward J. Borla. “Events like Get on the Bus offer hope and help keep families together, even during challenging times.”

Submitted Lt. W. Landrum

Bus stops at Salinas Valley State Prison

Through the Get on the Bus program, incarcerated individuals were given a powerful opportunity to reconnect with their families on Aug. 2.

Thanks to the generous support of program sponsors and dedicated volunteers, families are provided low or no cost to transportation across California.

In all, three buses come from various regions to bring loved ones together for this special day at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad.

Families were able to share snacks, enjoy lunch, and spend quality time together. Sponsors even pitched in for a truly special gift for incarcerated individuals and their families. Toward the end of the visit, each child received a donated stuffed animal with a personalized message written by their incarcerated parent.

“Watching the children smile, fathers smile, and entire families embracing these moments of togetherness was truly moving. The joy was undeniable,” said organizers. “It was a beautiful reminder that family bonds remain strong, despite prison walls.”

CDCR staff thanked the organization for all their efforts.

“All this would not be possible without the hard work and dedication from countless volunteers that work the many hours behind the scenes,” staff said. “CDCR and the prisons would like to thank you for your upmost dedication and sacrifices to make this event possible.”

Staff also said they look forward to future Get on the Bus events.

Submitted by Lt. J. Sevey