This book is an in-depth review of the American contemporary correctional setting and how culture and society can better the methods used in treatment centers and correctional facilities to help prevent recidivism, which Oladipo defines as re-offenses of past incarcerated individuals. Oladipo begins his analysis by reviewing the various historical methods of handling criminal justice in America that led to the current approach. Additionally, he discusses cultural trends that correlate with and have potentially caused the rise in drug use and mental illness in the U.S.

After establishing the country's current crime setting, the author carefully reviews various events at IDOC treatment and supervisory training centers. The last third of the book outlines detailed steps to improve the results of modern-day criminal treatment. The author recommends always remembering the personhood of the patient. The primary point is that those in authority, such as correctional officers or counselors, should always approach their job with an understanding of mutual respect for themselves and their patients.

Before delving into his review, Oladipo provides the reader with a list of acronyms and important definitions. This means that any reader, even those who are not familiar with the mental illness or correctional setting, can read, understand, and benefit from the knowledge of this book. He lays out twelve important training points for anyone working in a correctional setting to put into practice. The emphasis on the humanity of patients is a key takeaway that could drastically improve the results of the criminal justice system's ability to bring incarcerated individuals back into society as full, functional members. Anyone working in mental health or criminal justice would likely benefit from the author's wisdom and experience in the field.

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