A South Carolina prison complex that adopted a special housing facility, Community Opportunity Restoration Enhancement (CORE), saw a decrease in prison violence. The facility has adults, with longer sentences, mentor young adults.
The owner of the facility, Vera, has a goal to address issues found in many prison complexes across America, and to provide a better approach in managing conditions and to give equal treatment for all kinds of inmates.
Participants are free to roam outside their cell for 15 hours. The facility provides personal rooms with direct sunlight and is free to decorate with photographs. They were also encouraged to paint murals on the walls – they were filled with influential figures and positive messages.
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Other Bonuses And Officials’ Response
Depending on the participant’s offense, they’ll be tasked with writing assignments, chores without pay or public apology to individuals they’ve haarmed. A mentor mentions that people like them deserve to be freely able to express themselves.
Additionally, the facility provides laundry machines and mini fridges. Participants praised the facility for granting them much broader freedom, in the process, they also built more trusting and stronger relationships with correctional officers.
Assistant Attorney General Amy Solomon mentioned that this approach can be replicated and its expansion helps to address these concerns on prisons’ living conditions. Solomon adds that it showcases the possibilities that these facilities can accomplish.
Other officials are impressed with the idea, but also acknowledge there may be some conflict and barriers – members of Vera need to monitor the facility and existing prisons need to alter their staffs’ structure.
Division Director Nikeya M. Chavous notes that many young adults have a tendency to reoffend, stating that the facility seeks to bring self-managing skills to inmates that help to decrease this problem.
Officials also stated it could also benefit correctional officers who want to work in a more comfortable environment.
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Source: Associated Press
