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Rehabilitation

From learning job skills to earning diplomas, rehabilitation is a cornerstone of the department.

An incarcerated person works on a bike at Folsom State Prison.

Watch: Folsom bike program changes lives

Bicycles are changing lives inside and outside the walls of Folsom State Prison thanks to the bike program. “They bring...

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A correctional officer shakes hands with an incarcerated student who received his forestry degree from Lake Tahoe Community College's Rising Scholars Program.

In historic first, 8 incarcerated students earn forestry degrees

For the first time in the state, eight incarcerated students have earned associate of science degrees in forestry, marking the...

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A wolf looks out over a group of women from a reentry program.

Women in reentry program learn life lessons from wolves

Two dozen women in a reentry program recently completed a transformative 12-week journey, culminating in a profound day of connecting...

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An incarcerated basketball player throws the ball during a tournament at California Institution for Men, or CIM, in Chino

Rebound: CIM basketball tournament inspires recovery

California Institution for Men (CIM) at Chino recently held an interfacility basketball tournament, demonstrating rehabilitation through sports. “The groups that...

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Group of people at From Bars to Beats music rehabilitation event at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla.

Valley State Prison hosts Rebirth of Sound music event

Valley State Prison in Chowchilla recently hosted an innovative music-based rehabilitation event from Rebirth of Sound. The event, dubbed From...

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Staff work the barbecue grill during Father's Day visiting 2026 at CIW in Corona, California.

Staff, volunteers make 2026 Father’s Day visiting special

Across California, Father’s Day 2026 visiting was made special thanks to CDCR staff, volunteers and members of the incarcerated family...

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Salinas Valley State Prison's Get on the Bus event with a child sleeping on their loved one's shoulder.

Get on the Bus unites families across California

Get on the Bus, a program dedicated to strengthening families, recently visited multiple prisons across California. Volunteers and families of...

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Wide angle of gymnasium at CIM for the pickleball tournament.

CIM pickleball tournament promotes rehabilitation

Sports programs in prison offer one more way CDCR works to reduce recidivism through rehabilitative programming, such as a recent...

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A CMF incarcerated students graduates and attends the ceremony at Solano Community College.

Incarcerated person graduates at outside community college

When incarcerated person Spencer Doland received his college degrees, he walked alongside students from the community. On May 22, Doland...

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A graduate proudly holds his certificate at the CALCTRA graduation ceremony at CSP-Solano.

CALCTRA job certifications, apprenticeships earned at CSP‑Solano

In front of family and friends, more than 100 incarcerated individuals received their job certifications and apprenticeships after completing the...

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