California struggles to provide rehabilitative treatment programs for prisoners

Support for LAist comes from

Become a sponsor

Podcasts Take Two

Feb 4, 2014

Listen • 5:25

California struggles to provide rehabilitative treatment programs for prisoners

The California Report's Michael Montgomery — in collaboration with the Center for Investigative Reporting — says when it comes to providing treatment for prisoners, the state is struggling.

IONE, CA - AUGUST 28: Inmates at the Mule Creek State Prison interact in a gymnasium that was modified to house prisoners August 28, 2007 in Ione, California. A panel of three federal judges is looking to put a cap on the California State Prison population after class action lawsuits were filed on behalf of inmates who complained of being forced to live in classrooms, gymnasiums and other non-traditional prison housing. California prisons house nearly 173,000 inmates with over 17,000 of them in non-traditional housing. The Mule Creek State Prison has had to modify several facilities to make room for an increasing number of inmates. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The California Report's Michael Montgomery — in collaboration with the Center for Investigative Reporting — says when it comes to providing treatment for prisoners, the state is struggling.

A panel of federal judges may soon issue an order outlining steps California must take to relieve prison crowding.

The state has until mid-April to reduce the population by around 6,000 inmates. But Governor Jerry Brown wants more time. His reforms include increasing cell capacity, expanding parole eligibility and investing in substance abuse programs, so fewer felons return to prison.

The California Report's Michael Montgomery — in collaboration with the Center for Investigative Reporting — says when it comes to providing treatment for prisoners, the state is struggling.