Inside California's new prison model 'Prisneyland'

The Department of Corrections in California is testing a new model aimed at rehabilitation in hopes to lower violence behind bars and cut down the rate of reoffending after release. NBC's Steve Patterson visited a Valley State Prison to see how the state is implementing the changes. 

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[lamatsultrimyeshe]

I am a retired prison Chaplain who work for the state of Wisconsin. I am in total agreement with this approach. The warden told me, 'Punishment doesn't work.' An incarcerated person told me, 'I am very good at being bad. I don't know how to be good.' They need to learn life skills. Learn to be responsible, to be aware of how their actions impacts others. Many are eager to learn if the right conditions are present This type of prison results in a better work environment for staff.

[AriannaAyers]

The most heartwarming thing about this story are the positive comments here. I was expecting naysayers. Bravo commentators for showing both civility and humility.

[LINKPRODUCTIONS]

It’s amazing what happens when you treat people like human beings.

[gerardolopez]

I was a lifer doing a 16 to life sentence. I spent the last 4 years of my 18 yrs incarcerated down in VSP. I was granted parole in October 2017. It's been over 6 years and thanks to the programs, help, and education that I was provided with in prison, , I haven't relapsed, I've been able to stay out, and most importantly I haven't committed a crime again!!

[kellypatterson]

Psychology makes a huge difference. What incentive is there to improve when you're treated like you're worthless?! Our current system hasn't been working. What harm could treating them like they are redeemable do?!

[lauren]

This won't go viral because it's too positive. I appreciate the good journalism please keep it up💯

[AbrahamSamma]

There is no point in making people destined for release more resentful of society. It just creates a cycle. This is amazing.

[evanandersen]

Statistics do not lie. This is how corrections and rehabilitation should be.

[azimuthbusinesscenter]

If criminal justice worked, no one would ever be a repeat offender

[turdferguson]

I was so poor once I actually thought about getting arrested just so I could sleep inside and have 3 meals a day. Not even kidding.

[cameronvosburgh]

I spent 5 years in this prison. It really saved me

[DefensisIndus]

Our children's schools are designed like prisons 😂 Please do this for schools too 💪

[JzNMuzak]

As someone that's been in and out of prison I know first hand what that place does to you. Hearing this story and seeing the results if it's the real deal I highly commend with California's doing and I would never thought I would have said something like that. Maybe some of these privately funded prisons Can get some insight here.

[larsonfamilyhouse]

This is WONDERFUL!!! I’m literally crying over something this awesome happening. It is just the turnaround we need! Thank you for leading the way!! 🥰

[randyx]

California doing something right finally. Really, this video made me tear up a bit because it wasn't about keeping people in the system. It was about making them human and fixing the problems. Hopefully we can get rid of for-profit prisons in the USA.

[kushman]

That's what rehabilitation is all about

[Volundur]

Scandinavian prisons are very much focused on rehabilitation. There's some that even lets you clock in and out of prison to work.

[musicalbenches]

The punishment is being separated from loved ones, having restrictions not experienced by people who aren’t incarcerated. Separation from society and lack of usual freedom is punishment. Prison environments being miserable experiences reinforces miserable behavior. Rehabilitation is good. Can’t be rehabilitated, you should continue to be separated from society. But that question about shouldn’t prison be punishment was telling. It expresses a desire for vengeance, not justice. But I think most of us have had the same thought. Good on California. Probably the only time I’ve ever said that…

[Iloveeegod]

Awesome, hopefully this goes widespread across the country. Wishing this program success.

[angiewheeler]

I am in awe of all the work they are doing there. My family and I have always talked about how the prison system has failed so many. It’s wonderful to see that it’s working at that prison. Sometimes it’s giving someone a chance to become a better version of themselves that makes all the difference. I hope other prisons follow.