NCJ Number
131596
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: 1991 Pages: 14-26
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The plans for the new William Head Institution (British Columbia) focus on housing designed to encourage positive social interaction while respecting the need for privacy.
Abstract
The new design concepts reflect prosocial values that are intended to be achieved through the "normalization" of the institutional environment and through the establishment of a more positive dynamic between offenders and correctional staff. The residential hierarchy begins with the inmate's room contained within a 5- or 6-person house which exists in a neighborhood of houses along with a multifaceted, multi-use center for each neighborhood. The most public level is that of the institutional community, made up of the sum of the neighborhoods. The purpose of this layout is to foster a sense of community and provide more opportunities for personal growth and development. Perhaps the most important feature of the new institution is the level of personal responsibility afforded the offenders. A strong perimeter will be maintained while internally easing restrictions on inmate movement and activity. Evidence seems to point to the conclusion that an institution possessing the features planned for William Head will provide inmates with a more normal environment where basic needs and human social relations are emphasized. It can also be concluded that this new design is in accordance with many empirically established requisites for human well-being. 25 notes (Author abstract modified)