Course
Profiles
The Profiles course provides a structured way for individuals in custody to document the steps they are taking to prepare for success upon release. Through written entries, participants create an ongoing record of their goals, learning activities, and personal development while incarcerated.
We designed Profiles to support self-directed learning and accountability. Participants update their profiles over time, reflecting the work they are doing to improve decision-making, build productive habits, and prepare for a successful transition back into the community.
For correctional staff, Profiles offers a consistent framework to observe participation, engagement, and follow-through. The course can support case management, programming, education, and reentry preparation by providing a documented record of effort that develops over time.
What Participants Do
- •Create and update a personal profile
- •Document goals, learning activities, and progress
- •Build a written record of preparation and accountability
What Staff Gain
- •A structured way to observe self-directed learning
- •Documentation that supports engagement and follow-through
- •A tool that complements existing programs and professional judgment
Course Details
Learn how participants enroll, use profiles, and how staff can leverage this tool.
How Participants Enroll
We designed the Profiles course to be accessible across a range of correctional settings. Individuals may begin participation through several pathways...
How Participants Use a Profile
A profile is intended to serve as a living record of the steps an individual is taking to prepare for successful reentry...
How Staff Use the Profiles Course
Staff may use Profiles in a variety of ways, depending on institutional needs and professional discretion...
Points and Participation
Profiles includes a simple participation-tracking system designed to encourage consistent writing and skill development...
Leaderboards
Points earned through profile activity appear on individual profiles and contribute to leaderboards...
Ambassador & Tribe Participation
Some participants choose to serve as ambassadors by encouraging others to begin building profiles...
Stakeholder Use Cases
Staff may reference profiles and participation indicators to observe patterns of engagement...
Purpose of the Framework
The participation and leaderboard framework exists to promote regular writing, reflection, and skill development...
Self-Paced Learning
Course Modules
The Profiles course does not follow a fixed sequence or completion timeline. Modules may be accessed in any order and revisited as needed. Each module includes written guidance and, where available, short video or audio explanations and downloadable PDFs.
Introduction to Profiles
This module explains the purpose of the Profiles course and how it is used. Participants learn what a profile is, how it functions as a living record, and how ongoing documentation supports accountability and preparation for reentry.
Writing a Personal Biography
This module guides participants through creating a personal biography. The focus is on accountability, personal history, values, and future goals. Participants are encouraged to present their story clearly and honestly, with attention to growth and responsibility.
Journals and Ongoing Documentation
This module introduces journal entries as a way to document learning, decision-making, and daily effort. Participants learn how consistent journaling builds a record of engagement and follow-through over time.
Book Reports and Learning Records
This module explains how book reports support reading comprehension, critical thinking, and self-directed learning. Participants document what they read, what they learned, and how the material applies to their personal development.
Release Plans and Long-Term Preparation
This module introduces release plans as structured documents that outline goals, preparation steps, and transition strategies. Participants learn how release plans connect daily effort with long-term objectives.
Using the Modules Together
We designed Profiles to support incremental progress. Individuals may begin with one module, then advance to the next. They should develop the profile incrementally, as time passes, routinely updating their biographies, journal entries, book reports, and release plans. They should use the Profile as a record, showing an intentional, self-directed adjustment strategy. Staff may reference modules as needed to support programming, writing exercises, or reentry planning.
Downloadable Materials
Resources and Downloads
This section provides downloadable materials that support participation in the Profiles course. Resources may be used by individuals working independently or by staff facilitating programming, writing exercises, or reentry preparation.
For Facilitators
How to Teach or Facilitate Profiles
The Profiles course is designed to be flexible and adaptable across a wide range of correctional environments. Staff may choose how, when, and whether to incorporate Profiles based on institutional needs, population, and professional judgment.
Common Ways Staff Use Profiles
Case Management Support
Reviewing profile entries periodically to observe participation, consistency, and follow-through over time.
Program or Classroom Integration
Using profile components as structured writing assignments within education, reentry, or personal development programs.
Guided Reflection
Assigning specific modules or writing prompts to support discussion, goal setting, or decision-making exercises.
Reentry Preparation
Encouraging participants to use profiles to document preparation steps, plans, and learning prior to release or transition.
Facilitation Options
Individual Use
Participants work independently and update profiles at their own pace.
Small Group Use
Writing assignments or discussion prompts are introduced in group settings, with optional sharing or reflection.
Classroom or Program Use
Profiles modules are incorporated into scheduled programming as recurring writing or documentation activities.
There is no required sequence or completion timeline.
Time and Structure
Profiles is intentionally open-ended. Staff may:
- Introduce Profiles in a single session
- Use it periodically over weeks or months
- Refer participants back to Profiles as needed
Short, consistent engagement is often more effective than infrequent, intensive use.
Role of Staff
We do not expect staff to evaluate writing quality, beliefs, or viewpoints. The primary role of staff, if they choose to engage, is to:
- Encourage consistency and follow-through
- Provide structure and clarity
- Reinforce accountability and goal setting
- Use professional judgment when referencing profile activity
Our Profiles program complements existing responsibilities rather than adding new reporting requirements.
Important Notes
- •Participation in Profiles is voluntary unless incorporated into a specific program.
- •Profiles does not replace institutional records or assessments.
- •Staff discretion governs how to introduce or reference Profiles.
- •Profiles are public on the internet.
- •Participants may develop a profile under a pseudonym or "anonymous" if they do not want their name to show up online.
Questions or Comments?
We welcome your feedback and questions about the Profiles course. Whether you're looking to implement this in your facility or have suggestions for improvement, we'd love to hear from you.
Send Us a Message
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