Correcting Corrections: Missouri's Parallel Universe

This NIJ Research in Brief describes the Missouri Department of Corrections approach to prison management—the "parallel universe"—that has reengineered prison life to resemble life outside of prison and thus help inmates acquire the values, habits, and skills they need to become productive, law-abiding citizens. Correcting Corrections: Missouri's Parallel Universe discusses this new strategy in the context of conventional prison systems and examines the four components of the parallel universe: engaging in productive activity during and after work hours, achieving sobriety and preventing relapse, making decisions and solving problems, and recognizing good conduct. Current Briefs in this series from the Executive Sessions on Sentencing and Corrections focus on the emergence of "technocorrections," the drug court approach and its evolution, and the processes and goals of prisoner reentry.