Dignity and Safety for Young Adults in Prison: Qualitative Findings from a Collaborative Randomized Control Trial in South Carolina
Overview
What does it look like to center human dignity in a prison setting—especially for young adults navigating a critical stage of development behind bars? This report examines that question through a qualitative study of interviews with incarcerated young adults on the impact changing prison culture has on their experiences—drawing on the work of Restoring Promise, an initiative of the Vera Institute of Justice (Vera), in two South Carolina prisons. Restoring Promise works with corrections leaders to reimagine housing units for young adults in prison and shift policies and practices to reflect a commitment to treating people with dignity.
Vera collaborated with a group of incarcerated people to ground the research process in their expertise. This report provides an opportunity to hear from incarcerated young adults about their experiences of prison culture, gain insight into the effects of changing prison culture, and learn about the impact of collaborative research in a prison setting. Young adults in supportive housing units reported feeling safer and more connected to themselves and their families, and to staff and mentors helping ensure they succeed.
Key Takeaway
The findings of this report overwhelmingly suggest that young adults’ experiences are more positive when they are exposed to prison culture change that reflects a commitment to human dignity. Study participants in a Restoring Promise housing unit reported feeling safer and more connected to supportive people, having a stronger sense of purpose, and being treated more fairly, compared to the participants in regular housing.
Publication Highlights
The report offers corrections leaders and professionals, as well as advocates, insight into the struggles young adults face in prison and the positive impact that shifting prison practices can have.
All young adults in the Restoring Promise housing unit treatment group reported feeling safe, while young adults in the regular housing unit control group were split on their perceptions and feelings of safety.
Young adults in the Restoring Promise treatment group reported that restorative practice responses to misconduct promoted fairness and accountability, while control group participants reported that disciplinary processes were discretionary and led to excessive punishment.