NCJ Number
188722
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2001 Pages: 140-143,152
Date Published
April 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes Missouri's "Parallel Universe" policy, which is based on the notion that life inside prison should, for the most part, resemble life outside of prison, so inmates can acquire the values, habits, and skills needed to function as productive, law-abiding citizens when released.
Abstract
The distinctive feature of the Parallel Universe philosophy is its focus on offenders' belief systems and behaviors. Offenders participate, both during work and nonwork hours, in productive activities that parallel those found in free society. During the work day, offenders attend school and go to work and, if applicable, participate in treatment for sex offenses, chronic mental health problems, and drug and alcohol dependency. During nonworking hours, inmates participate in community service, reparative activities, religious programs, and recreation. Offenders achieve sobriety and adopt relapse prevention strategies to stop the recurrence of antisocial thoughts, and offenders make decisions for which they are accountable. Offenders earn recognition for good conduct and improve their status by adhering to agency rules and regulations. The decrease in the number of inmates returned to prison in Missouri on new felony charges from 33 percent to 19 percent between 1994 and 2000 attests to the success of Parallel Universe. 2 references