Prison populations are escalating, and the cost to contain or rehabilitate such persons is placing financial hardship on this nation. This study, therefore, examines nonrecidivists, persons out of custody for three or more years, and their recovery histories, to uncover theoretic approaches to inform current therapeutic treatment practices to improve the situation. Further, there is a brief overview of the following: the history of penology; criminalization and deinstitutionalization; attachment theory; Adler's social interest; Piaget's sensorimotor stages and cognitive theories (including language and thought) as it relates to current correctional systems; and therapeutic treatment effectiveness. In addition, the study explores various models that are commonly used in therapeutic communities (TC's), such as behaviorism. Moreover, additional approaches, including CBT's (cognitive based therapy) and the diathesis-stress model that support Kegan's qualitative differences in the cognitive development of inmates. More recent applications, like the TTM (transtheoretical model), a hybrid of behavioral and Bandurian social influences, has indicated progress in the care and nurture of inmates. The Prisonindustrial complex, monocultural and cultural dichotomization tends to affect treatment. Further, human rights approaches, such as the fourth world strategies and Nussbaum's capabilities approach, as well as future research recommendations are explored.