For parolees and probationers, the process of returning to the community can be overwhelming. A Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) program called PREP helps people prepare for successful re-entry. It honored more than 60 clients yesterday evening for completing the program.
PREP (Placer County Re-Entry Program) is one of SCOE’s Adult Re-Entry Programs, offering services in Roseville, Auburn, and Tahoe Vista. The program serves individuals on parole or probation supervision, plus others involved in the Placer County criminal justice system, helping improve outcomes for clients, their families, and the community.
During the PREP celebration, clients spoke about the difficult challenges they’d overcome and the hope they had for the future. “This whole recovery transition—from probation to PREP to AA—it gave me…a new perspective,” said Natalie Ramirez, one of the speakers. “I got tools to go through life…to assess where I’m at and move forward.”
The ceremony took place at the Auburn Veterans Memorial Hall where clients received certificates for completing the program requirements. Partner agencies were also recognized for supporting PREP clients.
More than 3,000 people have received assistance with life skills, academics, employment readiness, and court-ordered classes since the program’s inception in 2015. PREP is a collaboration between SCOE, the Placer County Probation Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, also connecting clients to a variety of community providers for additional treatment needs. The program supports community safety through reduced recidivism and helps clients address the root causes of offending behavior.