NCJ Number
137977
Journal
American Jails Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (May-June 1992) Pages: 71-74
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Leon County (Florida) Corrections Department was one of the first counties in the United States to implement the Vital Issues Project (VIP) program, designed to reduce recidivism and to provide inmates with skills to improve their self-confidence and learning techniques.
Abstract
The VIP program helps participants set goals, take steps to achieve those goals, and develop definite techniques for improving self-image and dealing with stress. The Leon County Corrections Department also offers courses in culinary arts, horticulture, and job training and placement. Proven a successful management tool, the VIP program has produced a collaborative effort and open communications between corrections staff and inmates. The VIP curriculum consists of 80 hours of class work divided into 15 lessons that cover topics ranging from goal setting, motivation, and problem solving to decisionmaking, family relationships, emotional control, communication, and job seeking. Staff members report that working with inmates through the VIP program has changed their attitudes as well; inmate-staff interactions are based upon mutual respect and expectations for positive lifestyle changes. To improve the program, corrections officials are planning for an intake classification unit in the new detention center where inmates will undergo educational, vocational, and personality assessments. The new detention facility will be organized into housing clusters and administered by unit management under the direct supervision approach.