California Rehabilitation Center

A unique venture of its kind, California Rehabilitation Center is a correctional facility by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The institute is unique as it serves both the inmates (prisoners) and civilian addicts. California Rehabilitation Center is a co-ed state prison.

History

California Rehabilitation Center stands on the premises of once popular grand resort 'Lake Norconian Resort' in Norco, Riverside County, California. The transition from a resort to a rehab center is as interesting as complicated. It all started with 700 acres of luxury resort hotel for nobles of society in 1928. The resort gave way to naval rehabilitation hospital in December 1941. The transformation was done under the Governance of then President F.D. Roosevelt. In between during the Korean War, hospital was also used as Naval Assessment Center. The hospital was later closed down and facility was donated to state Narcotic Center in March 1962.

Later, the California Rehabilitation Center was established in 1962, on land measuring 94 acres reclaimed from Naval Assessment facility. It's a level II facility which provides various correctional programs for inmates. It is the only institute that offers chance to felons who have successfully recovered to erase their criminal convictions and return to community.

The facility started housing felons and civil narcotic addicts together due to overcrowding since 1980.

Inmate programs

California Rehab Center is renowned for its 'Structured Substance Abuse Program'. It provides following vocational and self help programs for inmates:

Substance Abuse Program

'Structured Substance Program' to help inmates lead a quality and meaningful life.

Academic / literacy programs

• High school
• General Educational Development (GED) programs
• Basic education for adult inmates (elderly)
• Affiliated College program (through distant education or visiting faculty)

Vocational programs

• Plumbing skills and knowledge
• Technical expertise on AC (air condition) repair
• Repair of electrical and electronic equipments
• Woodwork skills such as cabinet making, furniture repair and overhauling
• Office assistant services and technologies relevant to job

Other programs

• Transport and fire rescue training (Cal-Trans and Cal-Fire Crews)
• Religious programs by clergy people or as required
• Hospitality services off-premises
• Self-help programs such as Parenting , Narcotic Anonymous rehabilitation, Veterans in Prison, Anger Management and Toastmasters

Visiting Hours

The inmates at the facility can be visited by their families or friends only in stipulated time schedules. The timings are:

• Saturdays, Sundays and holidays - 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Visitors are advised to avoid wearing clothing similar to that worn by inmates. This includes blue jeans. Blue shirts etc. It is mandatory for every one visiting the premises to carry valid identity proof to avoid inconvenience later.

Visiting Assistance

California Rehabilitation Center has a visiting center funded by CDCR. The center is operated under contract by a community based organization. The center provides various visiting assistance services and facilities such as:

• Local area information and resources
• Appropriate clothing on loan for visitors
• Shelter place (waiting area)
• Child care
• Transportation from local transit terminals (to and fro)
• Visiting guidelines and regulation information