what can we learn from prison?

Last Friday, I drove two children to Ft. Dodge to see their father who is incarcerated at the correctional facility there. I had not met their father before this day, yet I had the opportunity to sit around a small table for 3 hours with him and his children during this visit. We played cards, colored, ate snacks, talked about the kids' summer activities and about life in prison.

I've had so many incomplete thoughts and hard-to-process impressions after this experience. I've mostly had just a lot of jumbled pieces that I'm trying to formulate into some framework in my head....here's some of the soup mix:

Marcus has achieved the highest level of freedom and privilege at the facility. He's at "honors" level which means he has a key to his room, and he can be out of his room all day until midnight. He has a job at the prison...he is a barber, and he talked with me about all the different cuts he's learned for all the different types of people and hair he works with. He eats in a small community room with others each day. His floor operates somewhat like a dorm floor. It has tv lounges, a big shared bathroom. Marcus also has the opportunity to go to a "shop" each day to make arts, crafts, projects. He can go to the gym, library, or outside where there is a baseball field, track, soccer field. Prisoners can take classes that help them advance academically, recover from addictions, or grow personally.

I recognize that this is prison, and no one wants to be locked away from the rest of society, but look at some of the positives of this structure for a minute. Marcus has been given clear direction and defined boundaries. He has accountability and structure. He has meaningful work. He has opportunities to learn and grow in the classroom. The limit of choices can actually help a person choose more wisely.

After getting a peek into daily life, I can more than ever understand why there is such a high rate of recidivism, or return to crime and prison. This kind of structure isn't available on the outside. For a short time, there's probation and a clearly defined path, and then there's nothing but a big black hole.....and insurmountable obstacles. Getting and sustaining meaningful work is difficult because of the criminal record. Affordable housing is in short supply and is limited for those with criminal backgrounds. Healthy friendships and community to support you is also in short supply, as most of the people you're connected with face some of the similar struggles. Your environment is not favorable. Even programs offered throughout the community are somewhat disconnected and don't help with the whole picture or fold you into a new community and network of friends and support.

Marcus may be out by February 2011. hmmm. Christian community and a structure that helps a person grow on the outside of that prison....that's something I've been thinking about since I left the facility last Friday.