New Virtual Reality Technology gives "Juvenile Lifers' Life Skills

Virtual Reality Technology program for ‘Juvenile Lifers’

Using Virtual Reality Technology to prepare inmates for life after prison

A program at Fremont Correctional Facility uses virtual reality technology to prepare ‘juvenile lifers’ for life outside of prison. The technology teaches inmates to do everything from using a laundry machine and cooking a meal, to using smartphones and the internet. The program hopes to give inmates who were incarcerated as juveniles a chance to gain the skills necessary to have a successful life outside of prison. 

At the heart of the matter is that of these juvenile prisoners sentenced to Life Without Parole, most of them have never driven a car, had a smartphone, or have learned basic life skills taught in school and through careers. The changing circumstances - whereby now these ‘juvenile lifers’ are required to receive parole - necessitates giving them a re-entry program such as this one. Right now the program is in its early stages, but it is hoped that the program will be expanded in the future. 

You can read more about the program here.