Program shows the inside

September 21, 2006

That's the theory behind a new program developed the California Rehabilitation Center to give troubled youths an insider's look at life inside the medium security prison.

The program, which has yet to be named, offers an unsettling glimpse into the future for many young people who engage in substance abuse or gang activity, said Lt. Michael Brownell, public information officer for the center.

"My biggest emphasis is that all kids are at risk," Brownell said. "When kids, even adults, come to the prison and get exposed to that type of environment, it has a serious impact. This is our way to contribute back to the community."

Brownell said several of the 33 state prisons have similar intervention programs, but CRC has been without one for years.

The program was introduced at Monday's United Norconians Life Above Drugs and Alcohol, or UNLOAD, committee meeting in Norco, and the response was very positive, Brownell said.

"Drinking is common with the teenagers and methamphetamine is a really big thing in Norco," said Richard Hallum, UNLOAD vice chairman. "This gives kids something to think about. There is a penalty, and they'll have no rights and no freedom in there."

Hallum said he initiated UNLOAD after his son, Chad, now 19, and six friends each received DUIs within a month after high school graduation.

And in 2005, two 18-year-olds and two 19-year-olds died from drunken driving incidents in Norco, Hallum said.

The intervention program's first group, which visited seven weeks ago, proved to be a promising start, Brownell said.

Several of the 28 youths, who arrived with Pastor Elliot from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in San Bernardino, had been in recent trouble, he said.

Brownell said he began reading a gang member's written explanation of why he entered the lifestyle. The experience, which included paramilitary marching, a video of a prison yard riot, a tour of prison grounds and personal, unscripted narratives from CRC inmates, seemed to hit home with the kids, Brownell said.

"That really got the kids' attention because they'd been exposed to street gangs in their own community," Brownell said. "Three of the inmates spoke. We gave them a week's notice, and they were all excited. We didn't tell them what to say -- just no profanity and only they know what can have an impact on these kids' lives. And you could see the kids listen to them more than they would listen to an authority figure."

There were moments of revelation during the program's trial run with the San Bernardino teens, he said.

"Three or four of the kids cried at certain points of the program. They were tears of recognition that things they'd been doing would land them in prison," Brownell said. "I could tell there was an immediate impact on most of those kids. I just hope it's permanent."

Currently in its infancy, the new program will likely evolve to reach many different target groups, Brownell said.

For instance, Hallum said drug and alcohol use is significantly more prevalent among Norco youths than is gang activity.

Of the 4,700 inmates at CRC, more than a third participate in substance abuse programs. And they are excited about the new program as well, Brownell said.

"I went out to the different programs (in the prison) and told them I wanted them to come up with a name for the program and a logo," he said. "If they win, they get an additional movie day."

Brownell said he has already received many impressive entries and Warden Guillermina Hall will announce the winner, and the program's name, on Oct. 2.

Most drug and alcohol diversion programs for youths in the area involve counseling, Hallum said, and sometimes community service or visits to juvenile hall or the county jail.

State prison, on the other hand, is an altogether different and eye-opening experience, Brownell said.

"This is bigger than the county jail," he said. "It's the last stop, so to speak."

Brownell said he plans to work with Pastor Elliot of San Bernardino again soon. Also, with UNLOAD on board, he hopes to see Norco and Corona youths as well.

But the program is not limited to any geographic region, he said. Any group is welcome, as long as they have transportation to and from CRC.

"I don't care where the kids are from. If a group calls me up and wants to be a part of the program, we'll work them into our schedule," Brownell said.

For more information about the program, contact Brownell at (951) 273-2920.

Andrea Bennett can be reached at (909) 483-9347, or by e-mail at andrea.bennett@dailybulletin.com.