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Honor Dorm opens as California reaches record-high rehabilitation success, record-low recidivism 

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Jun 30, 2026

Honor Dorm opens as California reaches record-high rehabilitation success, record-low recidivism

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center expands California Model reforms

What you need to know: California has achieved both a record-high conviction-free success rate and a record-low recidivism rate, with new data showing the vast majority of people who complete key rehabilitation and education programs remain conviction-free after release. As San Quentin expands California Model reforms, the state continues investing in programs that improve public safety and support successful reentry.

SAN QUENTIN – Building on growing evidence that California's rehabilitation-focused approach is improving public safety by helping people successfully transition back into their communities, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the opening of a new Honor Dorm at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.

New data from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shows the state has achieved a record-high rehabilitation success rate alongside a low recidivism rate. The difference is perspective: while the recidivism rate measures the share of people who return to crime, the success rate measures the share who remain conviction-free after release. The data shows rehabilitation is helping more Californians successfully transition back to their communities while improving public safety.

The report found that 81.5% of people who earned Rehabilitation Achievement Credits remained conviction-free three years after release, 76.7% of those who earned Educational Merit Credits remained conviction-free three years after release, and 66.7% of people who participated in general rehabilitative programming remained conviction-free three years after release.

The new Honor Dorm is the latest example of the California Model in action. Located in San Quentin's historic East Block, the housing unit transforms former death row cells into single-occupancy living spaces. These Honor facilities are reserved for incarcerated individuals who demonstrate exemplary behavior, accountability, and commitment to rehabilitation.

East Block at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center

The data is clear: investing in rehabilitation means investing in public safety.  The Honor Dorm creates a space that rewards growth, responsibility, and readiness for reentry — demonstrating what the California Model can do. By expanding access to programs that prepare people for life after incarceration, we're helping create safer prisons, stronger communities, and better outcomes for Californians.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The Honor Dorm offers a living environment that reinforces the values and expectations participants practice through rehabilitation programs each day. Residents will have greater opportunities to demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and readiness for successful reintegration into their communities.

Honor Dorms in East Block at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center

Record-high success strengthens public safety

Since its transformation into a rehabilitation center in 2023, San Quentin has become the flagship institution for implementing the California Model, expanding opportunities for education, vocational training, cognitive-behavioral programming, substance use treatment, restorative justice, and community engagement.

"When accountability and rehabilitation work together, everyone benefits. The Honor Dorm recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to positive change while helping create a safer, more stable environment for the staff who work in our institutions every day," said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. "These efforts support staff wellness and resiliency, reduce stress within the institution, and reinforce a culture of responsibility and respect. At the same time, they provide incarcerated individuals with meaningful opportunities to continue their growth, prepare for successful reentry, and build a better future."

The state's latest report shows rehabilitation programs continue to produce record-high success rates, with participants in key education and rehabilitation programs substantially more likely to remain conviction-free after release. The findings reinforce California's continued investment in evidence-based rehabilitation strategies that reduce crime, strengthen communities, and improve long-term public safety.
In 2019-20, the next lowest statewide rates were recorded, with 75% of people who earned Rehabilitation Achievement Credit and 68% of those who earned Educational Merit Credit staying conviction free.

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In 2016, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 57, which incentivizes incarcerated people to take responsibility for their own rehabilitation by providing credit-earning opportunities. Specifically, for individuals earning Rehabilitative Achievement Credits, they must complete specified hours of approved self-help and volunteer public service activities. For those earning Education Merit Credits, individuals must complete a high school diploma or equivalent, a higher education degree or similar.

These results reinforce a growing body of evidence that education, career training, treatment programs, and personal development opportunities help reduce recidivism while improving public safety.
The Honor Dorm stands as a tangible example of California's commitment to building safer communities through rehabilitation and preparing people for success when they return home.

Incarcerated person participating in rehabilitation programming at SQRC

"This space reflects the transformation happening every day at San Quentin," said Warden Chance Andes. "The Honor Dorm recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to rehabilitation and provides an environment that encourages continued growth, leadership, and responsibility. As part of a larger picture, opportunities like this encompass the efforts through the California Model that allow for the incarcerated to become better prepared to reenter society as model citizens with life-long skills. "

Making a difference

At San Quentin, that transformation is visible in the very spaces that once symbolized isolation and punishment. Today, those same spaces are being repurposed to support rehabilitation, accountability, and opportunity.

Loi Tan Vo "Vo" has spent his last 29 years incarcerated at San Quentin, specifically housed at death row. In 2023, his conviction was overturned, and he became eligible for more resources and programming at the Rehabilitation Center.

"When I got to San Quentin, there were no rehabilitation programs. Being on death row, I gave up hope for the future. But I thank the victim's family for their grace that has allowed me a second chance," said Vo. "Through rehabilitation programs that I have been able to take part of, the way I see the world has changed and what I learned here is invaluable as I continue to make amends. Thanks to the California Model, it has led us, the incarcerated population, to grow and to have better relationships with correctional officers and staff, and learn life-long skills. Change is hard, but when you are willing to be a part of it, it improves the community you are a part of."

Formerly Condemned Row at SQRC

Since 2024, Vo has participated in the Canine Companion program, which trains service dogs; is taking community college courses; takes part in self-help groups; and is a member of the Veterans Healing Veterans Program. He describes the change at the now Rehabilitation Center as life-changing.

Vo with the dog he was training, Maybe, from the Canine Companions program

A model for the future

The California Model continues to expand across correctional facilities statewide, emphasizing dynamic security, trauma-informed practices, rehabilitation, and positive interactions between staff and incarcerated people.

As part of this model, corrections officers also play a large role in its success. Correctional Officer Kenneth Sexton has been at San Quentin for more than 20 years and has seen the transformation firsthand — not only in his own well-being, but also in the lives of incarcerated persons when they have the tools they need to succeed.

"Through the California Model, we are moving in the right direction, building trust and relationships with the incarcerated population that positively impact their progress and the environment within the facility," said Officer Kenneth Sexton. "The progress seen today continues to be a part of the larger effort of creating trust among the incarcerated population, correctional officers, and administration — a collaborative effort that ensures the safety and security for all."

The success of these programs transcends the benefits to inmates to touch all who interact within facilities. Earlier this year, Governor Newsom announced the opening of the new Learning Center at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, transforming a site once associated with California's death chamber into a hub for education, personal development, and rehabilitation. Together, the Learning Center and the new Honor Dorm represent the next phase of the California Model's effort to prepare incarcerated individuals for successful reentry while improving public safety.

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Focused on public safety

California is also investing beyond prison walls. Since 2019, California has invested $2.1 billion to combat crime, support local law enforcement, and strengthen public safety efforts statewide.

Earlier this year, the state awarded $107 million in violence intervention grants to help prevent crime before it occurs. Since 2019, California has provided $350 million in violence intervention funding, helping local communities prevent more than 30,000 violent incidents.

Research consistently demonstrates that rehabilitation and education reduce recidivism and improve public safety outcomes. National studies have found that individuals who participate in correctional education programs are significantly less likely to return to prison, while rehabilitation investments generate substantial long-term savings through reduced reincarceration.

These investments come as crime continues to decline in California's major cities. According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, violent crime in California's largest cities fell 12% in 2025, including an 18% decrease in homicides and a 19% decrease in robberies compared to the previous year.
This progress reflects California's balanced approach to public safety: pairing accountability with evidence-based rehabilitation, prevention, and reentry efforts that help reduce future victimization and build safer communities.

Supporting victims and survivors

Effective rehabilitation benefits not only those working to rebuild their lives, but also crime victims, survivors, and communities. By reducing recidivism and increasing accountability, rehabilitation programs help prevent future harm and support safer neighborhoods.

Crime victims and survivors benefit from the increased accountability that results from effective rehabilitation programs. By nearly 3 to 1, crime survivor groups prefer sentences that hold individuals accountable while including programming that prevents recidivism. CDCR's investment in rehabilitation increases public safety and breaks the cycle of recidivism, meaning fewer families are harmed by crime and safer communities.

The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) helps victims and survivors understand and exercise their rights, receive notifications, access services, and participate in processes that promote accountability, healing, and justice. Victims and survivors may register confidentially with OVSRS to receive information and support.

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