New law aims to reduce recidivism
Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation Monday that could improve lives of ex-offenders as well as inmates about to be released by implementing restorative justice for those exiting the criminal justice system.
The Cultural Re-Entry Program, AB 683 authorizes seven counties, including Imperial, to offer re-entry services and aid persons scheduled to be released from county jail.
The bill was authored by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-56th), the Imperial County’s representative.
“I want to thank the legislature and Governor Brown for their support,” said Garcia. “This legislation strengthens our communities and builds bridges toward reconciliation and healthy family relationships.”
The law requires the Department of Corrections to contract with a private nonprofit to operate a visitor center that provides the following services: a visitor center outside each state prison with a population over 300, transportation between public transit terminals and prisons, child care for visitors’ children and referrals to other agencies. Studies have shown prisoners who maintain contact with family while incarcerated have superior post-release results and fewer tendencies to recirculate in and out of prison.
Also, it would revise visitation policy to make it easier for families to visit prisoners, adopt less restrictive mail policies and reduce intrastate prison and jail phone rates.
Brawley Mayor Sam Couchman, before ascending to his present office, worked for 23 years as director of Imperial County Workforce Development Office. He recalled they had special grants for similar programs for ex-offenders but not as comprehensive.
“I think it would be helpful because there is considerable recidivism,” he said. “You have success, but also failures. I think it’s up to the individual coming out of prison having the right frame of mind.”
Couchman added, just providing a job is no guarantee an ex-offender will not get into trouble again. There needs to be a variety of services including mental health, housing assistance and career training. There also must be a tracking mechanism to make sure taxpayer funds are appropriately spent.
“We need an annual reporting requirement, how many are in the program, how many succeed,” said Couchman. “And it’s important law enforcement stay involved and could include the parole board, probation officer, the police and municipal judges. This program has resonance for this county since we have the state prisons at Centinela and Calipatria.”
Also praising AB 683 was Hector Sanchez-Flores, executive director of the National Compadres Network, a nonprofit that was the bill’s chief sponsor. “We applaud Gov. Brown and Assemblyman Garcia for making the bill a reality,” he said. “It will help men transition back into the lives of their children in a healthy manner and support reintegration of families from which they were separated.”
Edwin Obergfell, superintendent for Imperil Valley Regional Occupational Program, a nonprofit dedicated to providing training, career, technological and career services remarked it is a good idea and supports AB 683. It will strengthen collaborative efforts between the job training community and law enforcement.
“Numerous other social service agencies could enhance opportunities for ex-offenders,” he said. “IVROP commends the Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department who worked with this population and reduced the cycle of recidivism in the county and state.”