Video: Look inside one of most violent prisons

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CLALLAM BAY, Wash. - The Clallam Bay Corrections Center is home to hundreds of dangerous inmates. Ninety-seven percent will one day be released.

But a groundbreaking new program aims to keep the convicts from committing more crimes when they get out.

It's called Step Down, a five-phase, year-long program that prepares violent, troubled offenders with coping skills, anger management, psychotherapy and educational opportunities.

A UW study found inmates who spent time reintegrating with people before being released from solitary confinement committed 50 percent fewer felonies that those who did not.

"Address the way they think, the way they define themselves -- change that definition of being an inmate, change that definition of being a gang member," said Steve Blakeman, program supervisor.

The program works with he worst of the worst at the maximum security prison at Clallam Bay, where 62 inmates are in solitary confinement, spending 23 hours a day in their 8-by-10-foot cells for up to two years at time.

It's designed to help people like Chuck Sheshane, a double murderer who has been in and out of solitary 12 times.

"I've had some custodial assaults where I've lost my temper and gone after staff members," Sheshane said.

In the past prisoners like Sheshane would have been released from solitary directly back into the community when their time is up.

Most end up right back in jail -- a dangerous revolving door according to prison psychologists.

"If you send somebody from the hole straight to the streets with $40 and a box of clothes and drop them off with no support, you're really asking for it," said Bert Jackson, Department of Corrections psychologist.

But the new program is hard work, with no guarantees.

Jose Fajardo is doing his second stint in prison on meth charges. He just started Step Down and hopes it will help him step up and get his life straight.

"I pray to God every day. I thank the Lord for giving me this opportunity to do it," he said.

Of 51 prisoners who have taken part in the Step Down program, 11 have been kicked out, but 12 have graduated - with only 3 getting in trouble again