When CoreCivic's facility normalization efforts began in 2023, improving the visitation experience between residents and their loved ones has been a highly prioritized project by CoreCivic and the team leading these efforts.

A critical part of the visitation experience relates specifically to the children of residents in CoreCivic's care who, to maintain a bond with mom or dad, must frequently visit our facilities. In addition to upgraded family visitation areas that feature trauma-informed paint colors and children-friendly furniture, CoreCivic developed Cooper the Dog, a trusted and much-loved companion for the visiting children of those in our care. Cooper has received positive feedback from staff, residents, families of residents, and individuals who have been released.

As a concept, Cooper was developed using trauma-informed design and feedback from a diverse group of children. Whether their parent is incarcerated in a secure facility or at a transitional reentry facility, Cooper helps guide them along in their visitation through paw prints on the floor, cutouts, or images around the facility placed at a child's eye level. By diverting the child's attention from imagery that might be confusing, Cooper aims to turn an unfamiliar experience into an engaging and more playful one.

At CoreCivic's South Raleigh Reentry Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, Cooper's impact has been so profound, staff and residents threw him a birthday party, featuring food, games, interactive activities for children, and even a full-sized doghouse for pictures with Cooper.

"Family reunification is designed to create healthy relationships between residents and their families. Cooper has allowed us to do just that and much more," said Jessica Packwood, facility director at South Raleigh. "Seeing the residents, the families and the staff discover how one day can create a lasting memory has been priceless. Bringing Cooper to life has far exceeded any expectations I could have imagined . . ."

Cooper represents CoreCivic’s commitment to trauma-informed care and positive family relationships.

"My family was all smiles all day," said one resident who attended Cooper's birthday bash with his family at South Raleigh.

Another resident shared how he loved seeing his family dancing at the event and enjoying themselves all around.

Project Vista, the project dedicated to CoreCivic's normalization efforts, is devoted entirely to advancing resident progress, including during and beyond their time in a CoreCivic facility. By helping to create and maintain positive family relationships, CoreCivic is contributing to greater outcomes while an individual is in our care, then to their transition back into the community and beyond. In just a year, Cooper has made a significant impact on the lives of countless children and incarcerated individuals.