The Family Resource Hub

06/18/2026

Anyone who has had to navigate the prison visiting process can understand how overwhelming the experience can be. And for families visiting for the first time, it can be quite stressful. Suddenly you're navigating a challenging system: scheduling windows that are hard to work around, strict dress codes, processing times that eat into your visit, and facility policies that vary and change without much explanation.

CRJW works with prison staff as well as our families to change that experience. We help families understand the process, prepare for their visits, navigate challenges, and advocate for the rights they're entitled to. Because a family that can visit with confidence is a family that stays connected, and connection changes everything.

06/18/2026

Part of California lawmakers’ adopted $356 billion state budget includes savings from the planned closure of another state prison — one of the few reliable ways to trim the state’s corrections spending. But the Legislature still…
Read more below

06/18/2026

📣REMINDER • You may be able to continue to make appointments for next Friday June 26 but there is NO VISITS for ANY California State Facility or Fire Camp. They will be canceled.

06/18/2026

Congratulations!!🎉

Reentry had a graduation!

Creative Conflict Resolution was the curriculum and emotions management was the purpose! Congratulations to these graduates!

Thank you for your masterful facilitation!

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

Friends Outside is an organization committed to serving all 31 California state prisons, including San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, by providing resources and reentry services to residents. 

During weekend visiting hours, families can utilize Friends Outside services while visiting the family center station at the facility. If a guardian forgets a child’s birth certificate and is prevented visiting access, the visiting coordinator will babysit children, providing a play area, food, and books during visiting hours.

The organization offers visiting family members clothing exchange options when a person’s outfit is outside California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s approved standards.

🔗Read more at https://sanquentinnews.com/reentry-programs-can-aid-in-public-safety/ (LINK IN BIO)
✍️ Eric Allen
📸 Marcus Casillas

06/17/2026

📰 THE UPLIFT | June 2026 Special Report: CDCR Budget Update 📰

Many families have been asking whether California’s budget challenges are affecting the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

The answer is yes.

As California works to address budget shortfalls, CDCR has been directed to identify cost savings across the system. These efforts include prison closures, position reductions, and other operational adjustments. While these changes are occurring statewide, visiting is not currently expected to be impacted.

Here are a few key facts:

CDCR’s proposed operating budget was reduced by approximately $258 million.

California’s incarcerated population is now around 90,300 people, significantly lower than its peak population.

State analysts continue to project further population declines in the coming years.

Additional prison closures remain under discussion, but that does not mean a decision to close has been made. It’s simply a conversation based on LAO recommendations.

What does this mean for families?

At this time, impacts may vary from institution to institution based on staffing levels, local needs, and administrative decisions. We encourage families to rely on verified information and official sources when discussing budget-related changes.

At Restoring Hope California, we believe informed families are empowered families. Through advocacy, education, healing, and community support, we remain committed to keeping our communities informed about issues that affect them.

Because every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope.

Sources:
CDCR News Release (Aug. 4, 2025): cdcr.ca.gov

Legislative Analyst’s Office, 2026-27 CDCR Budget Brief: lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5137

California Governor’s Budget & May Revision: ebudget.ca.gov

06/17/2026

The day was more than a regular visit for him and hundreds of other people in CTF and the neighboring Salinas Valley Prison—it was a chance to celebrate ahead of Father’s Day with loved ones who might otherwise feel lonely and sad on the holiday. Recognizing the power of connection, Center for Restorative Justice Works, a nonprofit organization that uplifts and empowers individuals and families impacted by incarceration, hosted a “Get on the Bus” event that brought families from all over California to the two prisons to reunite with their loved ones for the special day.

“I don’t get it every day, and so when I do get to see them, it makes me appreciate life more,” Ira Daniels said. “Despite my circumstances, to see them happy, to see them yelling and screaming, excited, it showed that I’m doing something right.”

A nonprofit-led “Get on the Bus” event brought together hundreds of families ahead of Father’s Day in a special moment that can be rare in prisons

06/17/2026

Most condemned California prisoners will never be released, but some of them gained new opportunities after Gov. Newsom suspended the death penalty.

📸 Brian L. Frank