Arizona Unveils Radical New Prison Reform Program

The American Prison System is all about reform. At least, that's what we're told. In reality, our prison reform has always been about a step behind. We're more focused on punishing wrongdoers as opposed to rehabilitating them, and making them functioning members of society again.

Arizona has a plan that could change all of it.

Music & Art Therapy

Just outside of Buckeye, way out in the boonies, sits Lewis Prison, a section of Arizona State Prisons. For the majority of its operation, the prison was seen as a place for the worst of our society to rot behind bars while we can all sleep safely.

However, Dr. Ryan Thornell has a plan. As the director of Arizona State Prisons, he wants to begin focusing on healing his prisoners, not hurting them. That's why he's unveiled their new Music and Art Therapy Program.

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What the Program Entails

Thornell stated that with the current system, prisoners and staff are left frustrated more times than not, and prisoners are rarely ever left in a state they can be released. That's why this "roadmap" was developed. The prison has adopted the "Art in Our Soul" program, which has opened a music and art studio that inmates can use as part of their therapy.

The program's developer Brandon Lee, believes that the act of creating art can heal deep-rooted traumas that may be key to rehabilitation. The prison is aware of the stigma of rehabbing incredibly dangerous criminals, but they think that this program, regardless of the outcome, will cause more good than harm.

If the streets of Arizona seem safer within the next few months, you know the reason.

[ABC15][Art in Our Soul]