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Prop. 57 is step toward lasting rehabilitation

Gov. Jerry Brown wants to expand self-improvement incentives for inmates.
Gov. Jerry Brown wants to expand self-improvement incentives for inmates. mcrisostomo@sacbee.com

Achieve lasting rehabilitation

Re “Brown explains his stance on easing prison paroles” (Insight, Oct. 12): If we are ever going to improve California’s correctional system and reduce crime, we have to achieve lasting rehabilitation for prisoners.

As a mentor to several incarcerated young men, I know criminals have a different way of seeing the world than the rest of us. Their young minds were molded early in environments of violence, drugs, abuse and neglect. Many were raised in gangs and see the world though the perspective of the gang.

Rehabilitation, education and incentive programs provide them with the opportunity to see the world in a different way for the first time in their lives. Given the opportunity, they set positive goals and work hard to reach their goals. They dedicate themselves to changing their lives, even becoming mentors to other troubled youths.

We can all improve California’s correctional system by reaching out to troubled youths through Sacramento-area mentoring programs and supporting Proposition 57.

Hope Francis, Folsom

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This story was originally published October 12, 2016 at 2:38 PM with the headline "Prop. 57 is step toward lasting rehabilitation."

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