Overview
In March 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom formed the San Quentin Transformation Advisory Council (Advisory Council), a multidisciplinary group of subject matter experts co-chaired by Amend Founder and Director Dr. Brie Williams, to create an independent report aimed at improving public safety in California by reshaping San Quentin prison into a premier rehabilitation center through a scalable model.
“This report draws on international best practices to offer imaginative, hopeful, uniquely Californian recommendations to reduce harm and improve the dignity and rehabilitative outcomes associated with living or working at San Quentin.” – Dr. Brie Williams, Advisory Council Co-Chair
The independent report, which is divided into 11 sections with more than 3 dozen recommendations, calls for expanding rehabilitation and reentry plans, optimizing education and job training programs, and evolving correctional officer training to foster a more rehabilitative culture. Among other recommendations, the Advisory Council suggests reducing the size of the incarcerated population to improve programming and outcomes, improve housing for both the population and facility staff, invest in reentry beds, and reduce costs for new construction at San Quentin.
