California commits to women in prison

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced on Monday, August 4, that it will open a new facility providing female inmates approaching the end of their sentences with transitional services to assist with their reentry into society.

"This reentry facility is yet another example of California’s commitment to rehabilitation and better preparing inmates for life after their release," said department secretary Jeff Beard in a release accompanying the announcement.

The facility, to be in the newly expanded Las Colinas facility in Santee, is expected to open later in the year when the first phase of construction on a new facility is complete. A second phase of construction at Las Colinas will begin when inmates are transferred to the new facility and the existing jail is demolished to make way for further expansion.

The facility will house 82 inmates at its inception, with the possibility of expanding to a capacity of up to 118 in the future. Inmates selected for the program will have less than four years remaining on their sentences.

Aside from a few peace officers, staffing will be provided by independent contractor WestCare Foundation, which "provides behavioral and mental health services in 17 states and two territories."

Expected annual operating cost for the program is $2.4 million, which is not inclusive of facility costs.