Restorative Justice

The Restorative Justice Division provides opportunities to individuals both in and out of custody. Encompassing both educational and rehabilitative programs, the underlying goal is to facilitate a restorative lifestyle change for participants to reduce recidivism and promote pro-social behavior. There are three units within the division: Custody Alternative Supervision Unit (CASU), Correctional Industries Unit, and the Programs Unit.
Why offer programs to people in custody?
Research has shown that offering services and programs that match the needs of people in custody, the likelihood they will encounter the court system decreases significantly. This means better well-being for the person, their families and children and our local communities. Most of the people in custody are released within a year of entry, meaning there is a window of opportunity to help the people who are our families, neighbors and co-workers re-entry the community with the tools they need for success.
Moving to a healing -focused approach allows for supports with accountability. The Office of the Sheriff is excited to implement the Restorative Services Division to improve and expand the current service array in partnerships with other County and Community partners.
For more information, read more about the Transformative Justice Committee
Custody Alternative Supervision Unit (CASU)
There are two key programs in CASU: the Sheriff’s Work Program (SWP) and the Custody Alternative Supervision Program (CASP).
SWP serves participants sentenced to SWP as an alternative to jail. There are on average 400 participants at any given time and close to 70 locations. Participants support an array of community service projects and programs in our local communities.
CASP offer individuals in custody the opportunity to serve their time in the community while actively engaging in therapeutic programs designed to address underlying issues such as addiction, mental health, and behavioral challenges. By providing a supportive environment, this program fosters personal growth and accountability, helping participants develop essential life skills and reintegrate successfully into society.
"CASU provided me with a program that allowed me to accomplish many goals in the community instead of sitting in jail. I was able to get treatment at Evans Lane and I participated in the Goodwill paid vocational training. I’m currently employed, and I have a union job, I obtained housing, and reunited with my family. None of this happened overnight, it took patience and trust. Thanks to the CASU team I completed my program." – SB
Correctional Industries Unit

The Correctional Industries Program provides individuals in custody with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while serving their sentences. Participants engage in various vocational trainings and hands-on experiences. This program not only helps inmates develop essential skills, such as teamwork, time management, and vocational training, but also promotes a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
Programs Unit
The unit is composed of Rehabilitation Officers, administrative support staff, and program deputies assigned to uphold day-to-day operations.
Rehabilitation Officers (ROs) are civilian staff who specialize in rehabilitation, alternate sentencing, and release planning. Their primary function is to assess and evaluate inmates in the areas of education, vocational training, employment and job placement, substance abuse recovery, anger management, parenting skills, and provide planning for reintegration back into the community. With these goals in mind, ROs work with volunteers and county contractors to provide services that meet the needs of the program participants.
The goal of the Program Unit is to create a therapeutic program model to support the well-being and needs of incarcerated individuals. This therapeutic program model emphasizes a holistic approach to rehabilitation, focusing on mental health, life skills, and personal development to help people gain the resources and skills to improve their well-being, avoid re-offending, and successfully reintegrate into the community.
A full Program Unit schedule is located at our Custody Program Reports page. Please note, this schedule only includes programs that operate through the Programs Unit. Individuals in custody also receive services though other county partners such as Custody Health/Behavioral Health, the Reentry Center, and the County Behavioral Health department.
Here are some broad examples of services and programs provided:
- Group Therapy Sessions
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns.
- Substance Use Treatment and Support: Therapeutic interventions and programs like SMART Recovery or AA/NA meetings.
- Life Skills Training
- Financial Literacy: Budgeting, saving, and financial planning.
- Job Readiness: Resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
- Communication Skills: Effective interpersonal skills and conflict resolution.
- Creative Expression
- Art Therapy: Workshops for inmates to express emotions through art.
- Writing Workshops: Journaling, poetry, or storytelling to explore personal narratives.
- Physical Wellness
- Exercise Programs: Regular fitness classes to promote physical health.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Sessions focusing on stress reduction techniques.
- Family Engagement
- Family Counseling: Facilitate sessions to improve family relationships.
- Visitation Programs: Structured visits to enhance family connections.
If you are interested in volunteering to run a program or interested in more information about the programs and services in-custody, please email [email protected]

Highlighted Programs
College Collaborative

In Santa Clara County, a groundbreaking collaboration has emerged, enabling nearly hundreds of justice-involved students to participate in vocational programs at Elmwood Correctional Facility and local community colleges. The initiative aims to reduce crime and recidivism by providing education and hope to those most in need. Students engage in practical courses ranging from welding to veterinary assistance, with curricula tailored to their future employment prospects. This collaborative effort unites neighboring colleges, fostering a unique educational environment that offers comprehensive support services at no cost. The Collaborative highlights the importance of viewing incarcerated individuals as students deserving of second chances and empowerment through education.
"I didn't have the desire for college before, but with the information and the confidence I gained while incarcerated, it changed everything for me. Education gave me something to look forward to and a sense of purpose. It had a major impact on my mental health and motivation. College classes gave me hope and a reason to get up each day.” -JG
Goodwill Store at Elmwood Jail

The Aramark/Goodwill program offers women in custody a unique opportunity to gain retail skills and hands-on experience by operating a Goodwill store within the facility. Participants take a series of retail classes and engage in various aspects of retail management, from sorting and pricing donated clothing to interacting with customers and handling transactions. This practical experience not only equips them with valuable skills for future employment but also serves a vital purpose: providing women preparing for release with essential clothing and resources at no charge. By empowering these women to take charge of the store, the program fosters a sense of responsibility and community; while helping to ensure they leave custody with dignity and the tools needed for a successful transition back into society.
Read with Me

Correctional Institutions Chaplaincy (CIC) started a "Read with Me" program where people in custody can choose a donated children's book and be recorded reading it to their child. This helps foster loving connections within families. Each video and original book is sent to a child with a note from the parent. Children can read along, watch and listen to their parent as often as they'd like!
"We work hard to connect with the guardians of the child to ensure it's going to work for everyone. We walk alongside the client as they prepare to read to their children, coaching them, supporting them, and processing the sometimes-challenging feelings that can arise." - Rev. Liz Milner. "
