# Latin American prison reform and rehabilitation programs > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/latin-american-prison-reform-and-rehabilitation-programs > Updated: 2026-08-22T15:42:00.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 4. Following the July launch of CERESAS in Mexico, the “Romper el ciclo” psychotherapy scheme in Chihuahua, Guatemala’s transfer of youth detainees, and Chile’s inter‑sectoral health table, the reform drive quickly added certification and vocational components. On 30 July, Chile’s Gendarmería and Fundación Prodemu certified 45 women prisoners in Arica for completing gender‑empowerment and sexual‑reproductive‑rights workshops, while Uruguay’s National Rehabilitation Institute awarded hairdressing and blacksmithing diplomas to inmates in Durazno, part of a national program that has trained 2,540 prisoners since 2024 and aims for 8,000 annually by 2030. By 3 August, Chile’s PAIS reintegration program in Antofagasta granted manual‑arc welding certificates to 15 former inmates, and the municipal‑SernamEG “Mujeres Jefas de Hogar” initiative in Quillota certified 50 women in trades such as manicure, textile design, baking, digital marketing and financial education. Officials highlighted the role of these skills in stabilising families and enhancing public safety. In late August, Argentina expanded its focus on social and labor reintegration through vocational programs in Mendoza and Mercedes. In Mendoza, approximately 300 inmates—representing 31% of the prison population—participate in training through agreements with private companies. These partnerships involve sectors such as clothing manufacturing from recycled materials, hygiene product production, and construction panel assembly, with state agencies purchasing the resulting goods. In Mercedes, Penal Unit No. 5 launched a carpentry course where 18 participants manufacture furniture for the Mercedes Community Kitchen Network and for use within the penal unit. Together, the expanding suite of health, psychological, and skills‑based interventions underscores a sustained regional commitment to rehabilitative prison policy across Latin America. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: Argentina prison vocational programs focus on social reintegration Inmates in Mendoza and Mercedes, Argentina, are undergoing vocational training in sectors like carpentry and manufacturing to aid social reintegration and support local community initiatives. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-prison-vocational-programs-focus-on-social-reintegration ### 2026-08-03: Chile expands vocational training for ex‑inmates and women heads of households Chile certified 15 ex‑inmates in welding in Antofagasta and 124 women heads of households in Quillota after vocational training, boosting labor reintegration and economic autonomy. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-expands-vocational-training-for-exinmates-and-women-heads-of-households ### 2026-07-30: Inmate Certification Programs Boost Reintegration in Chile and Uruguay Chile and Uruguay certify inmates in empowerment and vocational workshops, aiming to improve social reintegration and post‑release opportunities. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/inmate-certification-programs-boost-reintegration-in-chile-and-uruguay ### 2026-07-20: Mexico, Guatemala and Chile launch prison reforms and rehabilitation programs Mexico, Guatemala and Chile announce new prison reforms: female addiction treatment in San Luis Potosí, psychotherapy for violence offenders in Chihuahua, youth transfers from Guatemala's Las Gaviotas, and care 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ciudad-jurez-prison-enhances-security-and-starts-womens-addiction-recovery-program --- Cite as: Latin American prison reform and rehabilitation programs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/latin-american-prison-reform-and-rehabilitation-programs