At San Quentin, reformers and inmates seek renewed focus on rehabilitation programs - Local News Matters

Community-based organizations gathered at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center on September 16 to discuss rehabilitation programs and second chance opportunities for incarcerated individuals. The Last Mile hosted the event, where Executive Director Kevin McCracken, a former felon, stressed the role of education in reducing recidivism. He noted that TLM graduates have a recidivism rate of under 5%, significantly lower than the national average of 61%. San Quentin Warden Chance Andes highlighted the shift from traditional prison jobs to coding and technical education. Michele Kane, chief of external affairs for the California Prison Industry Authority, emphasized the success of partnerships that facilitate employment for incarcerated individuals before their release.

She pointed out that coding programs are now implemented in prisons nationwide. However, recent legislative changes, such as Proposition 36, could hinder the progress made in criminal justice reform. The discussion underscored the need for continued advocacy and innovation to sustain rehabilitation efforts.