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How Do Communities of Restoration Work?
Last modified 2007-03-14 06:05
While there are important programmatic aspects to CORs, their strength stems from particular values and principles as much as specific practices. These values are explained on the opposite page. The methodology is holistic in addressing all aspects of the lives of prisoners, and in permeating all aspects of the prison environment.
The most developed CORs advance through three phases:
- In Phase One, prisoners learn to live in community. They engage in creative work, and begin to reflect spiritually on their lives. Trained volunteers and administrative staff assess their needs and abilities and create tailored plans with the prisoners.
- In Phase Two, prisoners are given opportunities to serve others. They help administer and maintain the facility, teach other prisoners, and serve in a variety of leadership positions. They engage in productive work in prison industries as part of their preparation for eventual freedom.
- In Phase Three, prisoners work in the community during the day and return to prison at night. This allows them to confront real-world challenges and temptations while they still have a supportive community in the COR.
This support does not end with their release. Volunteers regularly contact them as they make the full transition into society as contributing members.