In a recent piece in Corrections1, Thomas shares his perspective on how breaking down the “us vs. them” mentality can improve prison safety, reduce staff burnout, and foster rehabilitation. Thomas Schoolcraft has been a close collaborator on the development of Chicago Beyond’s Holistic Safety Framework.
A former incarcerated person turned corrections officer shares how breaking down the “us vs. them” mentality can improve prison safety, reduce staff burnout and foster rehabilitation
By Tom Schoolcraft
When we think of dangers in prison, we often picture physical violence — the fights, stabbings and even murders that contribute to the routine harm and degradation of both corrections officers and people who are incarcerated. These explosive incidents are attention-grabbing, and rightly so.
But our intense focus on these threats often prompts responses that make prisons less humane and more dangerous, fueling hostile conditions that arguably cause the most harm to those who live and work behind the walls.
December 16, 2024
As the year comes to a close, national philanthropic organization Chicago Beyond is proud to highlight a year marked by transformative investments that h
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October 29, 2024
On October 21-22, 2024, Chicago Beyond hosted its inaugural National Justice Convening, a Conversation on Holistic Safety in Corrections, in Chicago. Sta
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October 7, 2024
State corrections officials want to improve child visitation practices at Vermont's men's prisons. They're working with the nonprofit Chicago Beyond to overhaul current practices and prioritize the mental health of kids and their incarcerated parents.
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