If prison reformers were to look for advice on how to reform convicts, what might they find? What if prisons were to turn to other institutions to see what they are doing?
I picked up one answer in Sunday School this week. The church I belong to, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has set three guideposts for retaining new members: (1) Give them a friend, (2) Give them a calling (an assignment), and (3) Provide them with the nourishing word of the Lord.
A similar formula for working with prisoners would revolutionize the correction of our criminals.
One, let's give them a friend. Everyone -- and I mean everyone -- needs a friend. Everyone benefits when there is someone who loves them, and is there for them, someone who cares, and listens and advises. Where in all our prison system is this found? It might, perhaps, be there some. You might point to the counselors, to the church workers who come in each week, or even to friendly guards.
But, I don't know that there is a prison system that designates a friend for every inmate, that assigns someone to be available on a daily basis, same a real friend is. I think there should be.
Two, give them something to do. Let them develop a hobby. Give them a good and worthy pastime.
Three, nurture them with teaching, and edifying, and direction. Teach them all the basics mothers teach, things like, if you can't say something nice, don't say any thing at all. Teach them to be the most civil people on earth. Wouldn't that be neat, if a prison could achieve this, if a prison turned out people who were more courteous and well-mannered than average people are? We may not achieve quite that much, but if we were to pursue such a goal, it might make a difference.
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