Are programs beneficial?

Prison isolates inmates from society. As inmates reside in a place that refuses or is unable to make changes, how can they commit to make adjustments? Maybe the solution can be found in thoughtful programing.

According to the Virginia Department of Corrections, inmate programs are outlined under policy 841. These programs range from work to recreation and not excluding religious and drug treatment.

The purpose should be to change the narrative on the existing programs.

As of right now the focus is more on negative behavior. Violence and drugs dominate the narrative. Then, it is used to justify whether or not privileges are granted or taken. Positive behavior shadowed, goes unnoticed; however, those who comply to the rules face the same penalties as those who break them.

There are methods on how programs can be more effective: through evidence-based practices, the feedback from inmates, and not only commitment from administrators and staff, but the inmates must hold themselves accountable above all else.

The effectiveness of evidence-based programs has been documented. In the book "Education for Liberation" , edited by Gerald Robinson and Elizabeth English Smith, covers various methods and programs. For instance, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has a lot of conducted research and literature.

CBT helps people learn ways of thinking to make adjustments to emotional problems.

But what constitutes evidence? Is it found in the outcome of the program's effectiveness in reading its intended purpose. Once this occurs the measuring of the inmates' success can be documented. Success is subjective. Each inmate defines what success looks like. Success is a continuous process.

The quality of the program's ability to be effective is enhanced by focusing on recruiting competent facilitators. Recently, a directive from two officials in charge of programs, H. Scott Richeson and David Robinson, issued a memo authorizing use of peer-led facilitators. Also there have been programs and seminars to train inmates to take on more leadership and responsible roles. These peer-led mentors are those who have relatable experience.

One of the main benefits is peers tend to receive the information better from those they relate too.

This new direction in programs works out for inmates with longer sentences. Per policy, they are placed to the end of the list, depending on their sentence. Inmates with shorter sentences get first dibs. Training these peer mentors give those with longer sentences an opportunity to be hands on and foster responsibility for the program.

Listening to the ideas and concerns of inmates is important. The majority of times, decisions are made without considering the viewpoint of inmates. Maybe it is because inmates do not know how to make important decisions for themselves, or that the administration must take the role of guardianship. However, inmates are wards of the state, so there is some truth in that statement. Think about it though, there are instances where inmates understand what there needs are, while others may need help expressing them. Listening is the first step to helping anybody; it helps to form healthy relationships. The Inmate Advisory Committee, a panel of elected dorm representatives, sit before the Warden and other department heads to report issues. Whether they get addressed are another topic not worth mentioning.

Finally, the inmates must hold themselves accountable and not make excuses of not getting the help that they need.

It is not enough for staff to bear all the burden. Recently, Richeson and Robinson began implementing changes to the program policy 841.1. The focus is on peer-led programs. This can be a great move toward more accountability for inmates, and most importantly, giving a voice to the voiceless. Furthermore, this accountability may come at a benefit of making way for a new way thinking. And that is contributing, making adjustments to be a part of something in contrast with tearing the community apart. What better place to harness this growing potential.

In conclusion, these points I noted above are being put into motion as you read this piece. Hopefully, you will be encouraged to find your position in assisting to make this world a better place, make a difference. Whether its through programs, inmate's ideas, or commitment, the main point is to be consistent and effective in deed and manner.