For Preventing Recidivism
Turnaround Mapping is a no-tech counseling method developed by volunteers for inmates in the Boulder County Jail in Colorado. It includes sticker symbols, and training guides.
An inmate is asked to show what her life was like prior to being arrested, create a vision of her ideal live and the path to achieve it.
The three step process may be followed in
three one hour sessions or a single two hour session.
- Understand the past
- Find a picture of you and put it in the center of the chart paper
- Think about and list the people and situations that got you where you are
- Pick a sticker and a few words for each
- Imagine the best future
- Picture your world when past problems are fixed and life is the way you want it
– Include individuals, groups and organizations - Figure out how to make it happen in the next step, not now
- Take action
- List the obstacles to your best future
- List what needs to be done for housing, transport, job, friends, family, health and your inner self.
- Add stickers
Do it
Inmate response has been very positive and I’m currently developing two addition steps.
Resiliency – How to deal with the inevitable setbacks
Character – Making sure to follow the practices and behaviors that make for good relationships and keep you o n the straight and narrow path.
I love to be helpful to people getting their lives on track, and if I can aid you or anyone building a program or aiding an individual, please contact me.
