From FOX 26 News

Madera, Calif., June 30, 2025 –  The Madera County Probation Department is offering residents a fresh start with free tattoo removals, a program that has been running monthly for nearly a year. Mobile Tattoo Removal Experts host the clinic, where residents simply need to line up to participate.

Minors at the Madera County Juvenile Detention Center are also voluntarily taking part, seeking to move beyond their pasts. The initiative aims to assist individuals in removing visible tattoos that may hinder employment, education, or personal growth.

Professional technicians provide no-cost removal services for tattoos on the face, neck, and hands—areas often linked to gang involvement or troubled pasts. The service is available to all county residents, regardless of probation status, and tattoos do not need to be gang-related to qualify for removal.

One local resident expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying,

“I just want to be seen for who I am now — not what I used to be. This is my chance to change.”

…The program’s growing impact underscores a commitment to rehabilitation over punishment, helping individuals reclaim their futures.

Probation deputy Rick Galindo highlighted the collaborative effort, noting it reflects Madera County, CCP, and the Madera County Probation Department’s dedication to helping residents succeed and live positive lives, ultimately moving communities forward.

Read the full article here.