What would be some great programs more prisons could offer inmates?

[tchavon1984]

I was watching lockup and they were talking about a prison that had a boxing program they grew their own food so inmates worked out in the feilds growing and picking the food there was another one that had a military program

what do you think are some great programs prisons could offer inmates

[Jillian]

Getting back to reality, a class that will teach them the skills they will need when they get out. Giving them practice scenarios and how to deal with rejection from potential employers, this way they won't get depressed once they come home , as they will know how to adjust back to society

[MIKAER]

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif what would be some great programs more prisons could offer inmates?

Ethics, so many inmates live in and create gray areas-loop holes that allow them to act on unacceptable behaviors.

Business skills- So many inmates know how to hustle but don't know how to work.

Parenting classes and relationship skills- So many inmates didn't learn this at home.

Drug and alcohol counseling- This certificate program is actually offered in a lot of prisons

Leadership and success skills- modeled after college leadership classes

Communication and public speaking- along with Leadership and success skills

[PlasticInsanity]

Personally, I think more should be encouraged to work. Even if it's a janitorial position in the prison. I'm one who thinks anyone who's physically able to should be working, and inmates are no exception. Or if not work, then they should be put into some sort of educational program.

I understand about the whole 'time out' thing, as in they're supposed to sit and think about what they did, but if you have guys doing that for years they're bound to get bored and start fights. I also don't feel it's fair as a taxpayer that my money is going towards paying for their hydro, food, etc. so that they can sit on their butt all day. A good majority of them should be able to work, and at the very least it would give them something to do, structure, and a little extra spending money.

[ifound4ever]

Perhaps some programs geared toward media arts and computer science!!!! Programs that go a little beyond your basic key boarding and enhance/develop technological skills!!

[jutemoran2]

Almost anything that takes the boredom out of the picture would be a good idea. My son would just like to see real jobs set up that actually use the experience & abilities that he has acquired outside.

[jutemoran2]

Originally Posted by MIKAER

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif what would be some great programs more prisons could offer inmates?

Ethics, so many inmates live in and create gray areas-loop holes that allow them to act on unacceptable behaviors.

Business skills- So many inmates know how to hustle but don't know how to work.

Parenting classes and relationship skills- So many inmates didn't learn this at home.

Drug and alcohol counseling- This certificate program is actually offered in a lot of prisons

Leadership and success skills- modeled after college leadership classes

Communication and public speaking- along with Leadership and success skills

Faith Based in all prisons. Education. Physical training or sports programs. An opportunity to use the skills that you already have, the education which you have earned outside. More open access to books, cards, puzzles, anything that keeps the mind busy.

[jutemoran2]

I've come to the conclusion that the DOC must find putting people in cages is acceptable, but to exercise their body & mind might take too much effort on the employees.

[MIKAER]

Originally Posted by jutemoran2

Faith Based in all prisons. Education. Physical training or sports programs. An opportunity to use the skills that you already have, the education which you have earned outside. More open access to books, cards, puzzles, anything that keeps the mind busy.

I work with a lot of parolees to recycle street skills into life skills all bad can become good....

[FastCarGirl]

Self assertion skills

Conflict resolution skills

[Soulyrical]

My B has either taken the programs/classes listed or is preparing to. He is going to take a business class starting this month.
This isn't a program idea, but it would be nice if the option existed (maybe it does at some facilities) But it would be nice for those who are so far away from their loved ones, if they offered skype or some sort of web cam visitation.

[tchavon1984]

Originally Posted by Soulyrical

My B has either taken the programs/classes listed or is preparing to. He is going to take a business class starting this month.
This isn't a program idea, but it would be nice if the option existed (maybe it does at some facilities) But it would be nice for those who are so far away from their loved ones, if they offered skype or some sort of web cam visitation.

I kid you not I was just thinking about that this morning that would be really nice but we know that will probably never happen

[Soulyrical]

Originally Posted by tchavon1984

I kid you not I was just thinking about that this morning that would be really nice but we know that will probably never happen

If they think about how much money they could make off it...they would do it. lol

[Dreamwife]

Originally Posted by tchavon1984

I was watching lockup and they were talking about a prison that had a boxing program they grew their own food so inmates worked out in the feilds growing and picking the food there was another one that had a military program

what do you think are some great programs prisons could offer inmates

That great idea because they can actually grow there own food

[Thosewhosaveus]

I read a research study once that had a women's correctional group run an animal shelter, and rehabilitate feral kittens and care for sick ones. The women really benefitted from it mentally and emotionally. It gave them an outlet for their nurturing instincts, and allowed them to feel they were contributing to the world in some small way. There are also programs that teach prisoners to knit or sew and they make blankets for wounded soldiers and children in the hospital. I know these skills might not be the kind you want to 'learn' for a job on the outside, but being able to do something and feeling that connection to the outside world can really be beneficial.

[BreezyBaby]

How about instead of outsourcing we bring more work to prisons.....I hate calling my health insurance company or cell phone company and get someone from another country I cant understand and they cant understand me! And all my fireworks are made in china (kinda scarey) so why dont our inmates make our clothes, and household goods instead of other countries trying to kill us??

[vcmshort]

This is mainly for guys that have been in prison 10+ years…especially for guys like my fiancé in the 15-20+ range…a thoughtful class on the ‘new’ living basics – using a debit card and pin pad, cell phone basics (he went in only using checks, credit cards and house phones) - updates on how to use a dishwasher and washer and dryer/what types of soap, etc. mainly – the stuff we all use every day…but take for granted simply because …we’ve been able to adjust over time…the prison units are…a bit of a time warp.

[yourself]

Originally Posted by vcmshort

This is mainly for guys that have been in prison 10+ years…especially for guys like my fiancé in the 15-20+ range…a thoughtful class on the ‘new’ living basics – using a debit card and pin pad, cell phone basics (he went in only using checks, credit cards and house phones) - updates on how to use a dishwasher and washer and dryer/what types of soap, etc. mainly – the stuff we all use every day…but take for granted simply because …we’ve been able to adjust over time…the prison units are…a bit of a time warp.

sheesh - remote controls for the TV etc - once he knows that, he'll feel he can conquer anything....

Seriously, great idea. Especially for people who go in as kids and come out middle age - they need to know about all that and being an adult, insurance, registering for the draft, and all a ton of stuff. How's a person supposed to make it on the outside if he's never been to the DMV before?

[vcmshort]

Originally Posted by yourself

sheesh - remote controls for the TV etc - once he knows that, he'll feel he can conquer anything....

Seriously, great idea. Especially for people who go in as kids and come out middle age - they need to know about all that and being an adult, insurance, registering for the draft, and all a ton of stuff. How's a person supposed to make it on the outside if he's never been to the DMV before?

HAHA - he sure will! Thanks! Lets see...my fiance went in @23 - in 1991 (I'd say a lot has changed since then - wouldn't you???)...he has kept up with some things but...he has a lot to get used to.

[MiniMoose]

What you are talking about right here is why my LO signed up for a particular class at his facility. However, they knocked the hours down of the class and now have no hands on time.

What's the point of having someone go through a trade class to learn something like horticulture if they aren't growing anything?

Apparently the Feds still get money for guys that attend the class whether they learn anything or not.

Irritating as hell.

Originally Posted by tchavon1984

I was watching lockup and they were talking about a prison that had a boxing program they grew their own food so inmates worked out in the feilds growing and picking the food there was another one that had a military program

what do you think are some great programs prisons could offer inmates

[xxxaxxx]

I agree that classes on ethics and philosophy in general would be a very good idea. I also think that creative writing courses could be a good point of departure.

[Floridafriend]

Originally Posted by yourself

sheesh - remote controls for the TV etc - once he knows that, he'll feel he can conquer anything....

Seriously, great idea. Especially for people who go in as kids and come out middle age - they need to know about all that and being an adult, insurance, registering for the draft, and all a ton of stuff. How's a person supposed to make it on the outside if he's never been to the DMV before?

Great idea.