The Importance of Prisons

I appreciate that Father Casey sees the need for incarceration. I agree with him that many prisons in the US are in need of reform and accountability. But beyond that, what would Father Casey recommend? Would he be against prisons that put people to work in rewarding environments like growing produce for a local farmer's market? Any alternative he'd propose to modern prisons would probably either look like a current prison without abuses or it would be a totally impractical idea. We should always remember that even those who have been convicted of horrible crimes are still human beings made in the image of God,. And we should pray for them, care for them, either directly or by supporting ministries that help them.