Youthful Offender Program (YOP) in California
The Youthful Offender Program (YOP) in California is designed to address the specific needs of younger offenders within the state's correctional system. This program focuses on rehabilitation and aims to reduce recidivism among this particular group by providing tailored educational and vocational training, along with therapeutic services.
Contact Information and Facility Overview
As the Youthful Offender Program is a statewide initiative in California, it operates across multiple facilities. Therefore, it is essential for family members to know the specific institution where their loved one is housed to obtain accurate contact information. Facilities that typically run YOP include:
- California Youth Authority
- Various state prisons designated with YOP units
To find specific contact information, visiting the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) website or contacting the CDCR directly is recommended.
How to Locate an Inmate
Locating an inmate in the YOP is similar to finding any inmate within the CDCR system:
- Visit the CDCR's official inmate locator website: CDCR Inmate Locator.
- Enter the inmate’s CDCR number or their full name and date of birth to find their current location and status.
Visitation Information
Visitation rules may vary by facility, but general guidelines include:
- Scheduling visits: Most facilities require visitors to schedule their visits in advance. This can typically be done by phone or through the facility’s website.
- Visiting hours: Check the specific prison's visiting hours, as these can vary. Weekend visits are common, but weekdays might be available.
- Visitor approval: All visitors must be approved by the facility following a background check.
For detailed visitation guidelines, visit the CDCR’s visitation page: CDCR Visitation.
Sending Money and Phone Calls
Sending money to an inmate in the YOP:
- Inmates’ families can send money through various approved electronic systems such as JPay or GTL. Details can be found on CDCR Sending Money.
Phone calls and video options:
- Inmates can make calls using the approved telephone system but cannot receive incoming calls. For video visitation, facilities that offer this service use systems like GTL or similar platforms.
Inmate Services and Programs
The YOP offers a variety of services and programs aimed at rehabilitation, including:
- Educational programs, such as high school diploma and GED preparation
- Vocational training in fields like automotive repair, carpentry, and culinary arts
- Therapeutic programs, including substance abuse treatment and mental health services
Security and Management Information
The YOP units are typically housed within secure facilities that are part of the larger state prison system. These units are managed with a focus on both security and rehabilitation, aiming to provide a controlled environment that enables youth offenders to transition back into society successfully.
Booking and Release Process
Booking and release processes are consistent with general CDCR procedures. Upon arrest, offenders are booked at a local county facility and, if sentenced under YOP guidelines, transferred to a designated YOP unit. The release process considers the completion of sentence and any parole or probation arrangements.
Legal Information and Rights
Inmates in the Youthful Offender Program, like all other inmates, have rights protected under state and federal law, including the right to receive visitors and communicate with legal counsel. It is essential for inmates and their families to be informed of their legal rights.
