The SB 618 San Diego County Prisoner Reentry Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The SB 618 San Diego County Prisoner Reentry Program is a comprehensive, evidence-based, multi-agency program designed to assist, educate, treat addictions and transition non-violent parolees from prison into the community. The program does not affect the length of an offender’s prison sentence. Rather, it takes advantage of the sentence to treat substance abuse issues, improve educational and vocational skill and prepare both the offender and the community for the parolee’s successful reentry. The rehabilitation process begins at the time of the plea bargain and ends eighteen months after release from prison. The program is voluntary, ensuring applicants are motivated to change and will actively utilize the program services. SB 618 is intended to address the high rates of recidivism by providing an evidence based plan for reintegration into society. As a result, parole conditions are met, recidivism is reduced and public safety is ultimately improved. Led by San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, her office has partnered with the Office of the Public Defender, the Sheriff’s Department, the Probation Department, the San Diego Community and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to create, develop and facilitate the SB 618 program.