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Rehabilitation

From learning job skills to earning diplomas, rehabilitation is a cornerstone of the department. As of 2026, 11 percent of CDCR’s overall budget goes toward rehabilitation.

Graduates from the Defy Ventures program at California Institution for Women in Corona, or CIW, toss their caps in the air.

CIW, Defy Ventures celebrate second chances

Defy Ventures partnered with the California Institution for Women (CIW) June 25 to host a business pitch competition and graduation....

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CALCTRA studio with Michele Kane and formerly incarcerated person David Tucker.

CALCTRA grad turns second chance into lifesaving mission

The recent Prison to Purpose podcast from California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) focuses on a former graduate and...

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Photo of Brandi Holmes, a former Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) participant who is now back in her community on supervised release after finding rehabilitation success through the program.

Brandi Holmes finds FCRP rehabilitation success

Brandi Holmes started her journey toward rehabilitation at CDCR 14 years ago when she was incarcerated at 22 years old....

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Salinas Valley State Prison staff members participate in the first Cancer Awareness Walk held July 2-3 at the prison in Soledad, California.

Salinas Valley State Prison hosts first Cancer Awareness Walk

Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad proudly hosted its first-ever Cancer Awareness Walk for staff and the incarcerated population. The...

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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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