The TCU Revised Intake and Self-Rating Forms and the TSI Life Event Questionnaire were used to gather data concerning early influences on self-development, including physical environment (noise, density, air pollution), economic and family influences (inner-city single-parent families, unemployment, and education) and traumatic life event influences (social and family violence). Assessment took place before the random assignment, at discharge, and at 3 months postrelease. The therapy emphasized place identification, environmental competency, and self-development. Analyses showed that endemic family instability and childhood abuse predicted entry into the criminal justice system as well as drug use and psychosocial dysfunction. Women and whites reported greater childhood-related problems. Results were described in terms of criminal activities, current family relations, relationships with peers, quality of relationships, problems with substance abuse, and subjects' self-ratings. The results indicated that inmates benefited from the horticultural therapy, exhibiting higher self-esteem and less depression, anxiety, and risk-taking behavior.