New Start Program Aims to Stabilize Mentally Ill Inmates

It may seem unconventional but a program at the Orange County Jail involving yoga, arts and role-playing is helping mentally ill inmates reduce the symptoms of depression and other disorders. Called New Start, the program was formed to address the needs of the jail's mental health population who have been cleared from sub-acute mental health areas.

Senior Community Corrections Officer Barbara Vega facilitates the program. Vega, who is certified in Crisis Intervention Techniques, says creative outlets are healing because they help people get in touch with and express feelings that might otherwise remain buried or ignored. She even coordinated an inmate talent show in October 2024.

"All the inmates willingly participated and were extremely excited about performing their talent. One of the program participants stated he was pleased to show the audience that he was more than his mental health illness," said Vega.

The talent acts included everything from singing, magic and math tricks to comedy acts and reading biblical verses. Vega said the inmates welcomed the chance to participate and enjoyed preparing for the show. "The inmates appreciated having the show and channeled everything they were going through into their talents."

Research consistently shows that engaging in creative activities can have profound and positive effects on mental health. Vega said providing inmates with the opportunity to express and process complex emotions can lead to reduced stress, anxiety and depression.

In the world of incarceration, mental health challenges are prevalent and 43% of inmates at the Orange County Jail have a mental health diagnosis. The New Start Program provides medication management, education, support and guidance to inmates. Participants are offered a variety of evidence-based enrichment classes to include basic life skills, and how to set and maintain healthy boundaries.

The curriculum also covers cognitive behavioral change, communication and anger management among other topics. Up to 24 inmates can participate in the program at a time.