Challenges and Possibilities Program: Increasing Social Responsibility Among Inmates

Source: (2001) CTM-Corrections Technology & Management 5(5).

The program, founded by two teachers at the institution, is 10-weeks long, with capacity for 15-20 inmates. It is open to all men at the institution, but those who apply must be approved by Security and Social Services through a detailed screening process. Those selected for the class must not engage in any negative conduct during the 10 weeks, or risk being either kicked out of the class or losing credit for their work. The two teachers arrange for guest speakers, prepare the class, and run the program. Students learn the effects of criminal behavior and the rewards and benefits of a crime-free life. Program objectives are to instill the attitudes and habits of life-long learning that are necessary for continued success; to develop improved self-esteem, a sense of responsibility, and self-management; to develop the ability to distinguish wants from needs based on limitations and opportunities posed by reality; to improve communication skills; to learn and develop cross-cultural communication skills; to increase awareness of the effect of criminal activities on the lives of others; and to increase competency in identifying, locating, and accessing community resources. Other program objectives are to increase self-motivation through examples of successful ex-offenders and to increase offenders’ sense of responsibility for the crime and empathy for the victims and communities. The effectiveness of the program is assessed through the measurement of adjustments or lack thereof that the men make both during incarceration and in the community after release.