Most people involved with prison reform are familiar with the system of incarceration in Norway, one based on the concept of creating good neighbors rather than retribution. That concept is something I thought would never be implemented here in the United States.  I was wrong. This ongoing series will be a platform for those living within California’s very own – Norway Project. 

As of February 7, 2023, CDCR’s Valley State Prison is the first prison in California to implement the Norway Model!  It’s a model focused on providing incentives to inmates and guiding us towards pursuing meaningful rehabilitation and positive programming efforts. It’s meant to give back a sense of ‘humanity’ to the inmate population, and to also change the culture of prison from using discipline and punishment as the only means of correcting behavior. 

I’ve been in prison for 13 years now.  I’ve seen opportunities offered by CDCR, but the correctional officers and administrative staff were still under the beliefs that inmates were to be punished and that we cannot change.  Now, this Norway Model sets a new standard and perspective for administrative staff and inmates alike, and the first act the prison has taken is an entire shift of correctional officers and the training they receive.  The yard has a new wave of c/o’s coming, and this building is now an Honor Building. 

We have been given a pool table!  We also have received bigger, better quality flat screen TV’s in our dayrooms!  The talk of upcoming incentives include a ping pong table, a PlayStation, and a vending machine for the inmate population! 

I feel honored and rewarded for the hard work and progress I’ve made in my pursuit for self betterment. It’s definitely encouraging others to want to benefit from the model by seeking self help programs and remaining disciplinary free.  I’ve seen a happier, more social and positive community since this began, and it’s only been a week… I cannot wait to see the huge change in relations between the inmate population and correctional staff now that resentments and biases are being changed for the better! This Norway Model has opened the doors for healing and a new way of rehabilitating the inmate community and showing employees there is a human side in all of us! All that was missing in prisons was the support, encouragement and unity in building a better world. 

Yours truly – TL

I have been incarcerated for eight years, most of those years spent at a higher security institution. Recently, I was afforded the opportunity to attend an alcohol and drug counseling certification program here at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, Ca.  I’m currently housed in an honor building that is transitioning to a Norwegian model style environment.  While it’s a long way off of an actual Norwegian model institution, it is a step in the right direction.  We recently received special amenities like a pool table, coffee urns, and 70″ flat screen televisions.  This type of living environment promotes rehabilitation through healing and incentives rather than punishment and deprivation of basic human rights.  Work still needs to be done, but this is definitely a good start.  This state and others could truly benefit from expanding the program, and I’m glad to be able to experience an opportunity like this. 

Thank you for your time – DA