Expand in-custody rehabilitative programming to high-level incarcerated persons

Lead agency: Sheriff’s Office

Population of focus (if applicable):  Incarcerated persons, particularly those housed in high classification housing units.

SIM intercept: 3-4 

Summary of planned action: 

San Diego Sheriff's Office (SDSO) Reentry Services Division aims to offer the population voluntary access to all services independent of classification level to help address harmful thinking patterns, offer educational opportunities, and provide tools to practice prosocial behaviors with the goal of enhancing reentry planning efforts for an individual's seamless transition to the community. High-level programming would expand opportunities to participate in services with Sheriff's staff, both one-on-one and in group settings as permitted per policy. Correctional Counselors would provide high-level incarcerated persons access to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions and operate as liaisons to additional community-based providers while acclimating the participants and sworn staff to the expansion of services to this population. The value of these interventions will be observed in increased opportunities for incarcerated individuals to participate in services and successful reentry to the general population or community. High level housing units would greatly benefit from an expansion of services, eventually allowing for contracted providers to offer instruction and Sheriff's staff to enhance community linkage.    

Actions taken:

  • All psychosocial, educational, and vocational contracts amended to include service delivery to high classification levels in groups and for one-on-one course instruction.  

  • Recruitments for some positions are in process. 

  • Developed security protocols and expectations with Command staff for the introduction of coursework with contracted staff in high-level housing units.  

  • Identified certifications and curriculums that can be adapted to the high-level environment and equip participants with skills and training that will address harmful thinking patterns and offer educational and employment advancement opportunities in the community.  

  • Creating tracking methods and processes to distinguish high-level classes and program participation for data collection. 

  • Correctional Counselors have begun individualized engagement strategies for high-level incarcerated persons (IPs) who are not eligible to receive services in a group setting.  Through one-on-one check-ins, Correctional Counselors assess each individual's interests and needs, then assigns psychosocial workbook activities tailored to those interests.  This approach allows the individual to demonstrate their motivation and interest to participate in programming.  The Correctional Counselor assigns portions of the workbook for each check-in and offers feedback to help prepare them for successful reentry.  

  • Since July, there have been 125 high-level individuals working on a psychosocial workbook with a Correctional Counselor.  For those that are permitted to attend classes, 16 high-level incarcerated persons have participated in psychosocial groups led by a Correctional Counselor.   Through contracted providers, 53 high-level incarcerated persons attended psychosocial classes;  High School Equivalency (HSE) instructors assisted by Correctional Counselors, have engaged 60 high-level students in either the classroom, or through correspondence learning, which includes one-to-one check-ins with the instructors.   

Next steps: 

  • SDSO is seeking to engage more high-level students in available programs and hopes to enhance course options this calendar year to include vocational certifications that provide employment pathways upon release. SDSO is exploring courses based on student’s programming requests and interest; SDSO will collaborate with contracted providers to deliver curriculum in alignment with the needs of the population.