The state Department of Corrections is launching a pilot program that uses virtual technology to improve relationships and communications between incarcerated parents and their children.

The department is working with Wrap Technologies of Tempe, Ariz., to apply virtual reality technology to the department’s existing InsideOut Dads and Parenting Inside Out programs to improve communication skills, facilitate the showing and handling of feelings, and introduce effective discipline techniques.

With the introduction of virtual reality immersion, participants learn and practice healthy parenting skills in a 360-degree environment. Each interaction is guided by a lesson plan and managed by department staff, who adapt and customize the situations in real time.

Children do not have to travel to a department facility to participate. Community providers Amachi Pittsburgh and Public Health Management Corporation in Philadelphia facilitate the virtual reality visits for participating children and offer support services to their families.

Department of Corrections Acting Secretary George Little unveiled the program Monday in Pittsburgh.

"The overwhelming majority of incarcerated parents will return to their families and communities at the conclusion of their prison sentence, and the (Department of Corrections ) is committed to setting them up for success," Little said. "Practice makes perfect, and we hope role playing with the assistance of virtual avatars will help parents and children see beyond facility walls and build stronger families and safer communities."

Researchers from Pennsylvania State University have been tapped as the evaluators for the pilot program.

"Our team is thrilled to partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and Wrap to provide VR experiences for our youth and parents," said Anna Hollis, executive director of Amachi Pittsburgh. "VR is a new, innovative way for us to pique interest, attract new participants and spark learning, creativity and imagination."

Funding for the program comes from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Programs. The InsideOut Dads program is available at each of the department's male facilities. The virtual reality component has been introduced at SCI Phoenix, SCI Fayette, SCI Frackville and the female prison SCI Muncy, where the Parenting Inside Out program is available.

Incarcerated parents must be housed in general population, be within three years of their minimum release date, and not be convicted of crimes involving children to be eligible to participate in the program.