She asked Sandifer if he would write the youths a letter telling them what it was like to live in prison. The letter had such a positive impact, it led Sandifer to develop the concept of having convicts talk directly to kids about what prison is really like. Participating youth do not tour the inner prison nor have contact with the general population. While the program is designed to be deeply thought-provoking and emotionally affecting, it is not in any way threatening. The program's success has led parole officers and juvenile officers to bring young offenders to experience it.
Judges often order youths to undergo the program as part of their probation.
Thirty local schools, churches and social service agencies currently participate in the program.