In December 2017 the Vera Institute of New York visited Allendale Correctional Institution and the Character Restoration Initiative.  As the Vera Institute and SCDC observed the men at ACI interacting, they determined to begin a mentor/YOA relationship at ACI.  This interaction between the older men in leadership and the young men coming into the YOA program is a first for the YOA's.  Its early success at ACI means expansion to the other institutions.

​

The YOA program is designed to provide an environment that will foster the character development of young offenders. The program integrates “Straight-timers”, men who are serving time as adults, with the YOAs to provide positive role-models and mentors for the young men in the program. These mentors and YOAs live together in the same unit. This allows for the implementation of a highly- structured daily routine that challenges all areas of the young offenders’ character.

 

There are two to three classes scheduled each day, five days a week. These classes range from highly disciplined drill to group discussions like Anger Management and Criminal Thinking. The mentors are available throughout the day to address issues the young offenders have, or to just listen and talk. The adult offenders share their struggles and provide stories of how they overcame the prison culture so that the YOAs will not re-offend.