About the WhyTry Corrections Program

The WhyTry Program is an evidence-based practice currently used in correctional settings throughout the United States.  Although originally developed for high-risk youth, it was quickly adapted for adult offenders in several correctional settings throughout the country. The WhyTry Corrections model as it exists today was developed with the input of inmates and the experience of corrections certified trainers and licensed clinical therapists.  The WhyTry Corrections Program takes advantage of the proven strengths of cognitive behavioral, motivational, strength-based models of interventions and current research on helping offenders avoid re-arrest. 

WhyTry Founder Christian Moore struggled with severe learning disabilities as a child, yet achieved a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Using his life experiences, current research, and his knowledge of high-risk populations as a framework, Christian developed the WhyTry Program. The program uses a unique multisensory approach – which includes experiential learning activities, video, discussion, journaling, music, and role play – to reach offenders of every learning style, providing more effective cognitive restructuring and better correctional, social, and life outcomes. 

Christian Moore 

Founder

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Christian Moore is an internationally renowned author, speaker, licensed clinical social worker, and advocate for at-risk youth.

Coming from a blended family of 12 children, Christian spent most of his childhood years on the streets. In a neighborhood just outside of Washington, D.C., he was exposed to a wide array of social problems, which opened his eyes to the many injustices that exist in our world today.  It was during this time, in the face of intense challenges at home, that Christian was mentored and nurtured by his “second mother,” an African American woman he endearingly called “Mama Jackson.”

By the time Christian had reached second grade, he had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, conduct disorder, and severe learning disabilities. Because of these setbacks, he often felt socially isolated in school.  He spent time both as bully and victim; and often acted out to avoid answering the questions of teachers.

Due to his poor grades and learning disabilities, high school counselors informed Christian that college was not a viable option. But after graduation, an experience volunteering in the inner city gave him a drive to help others and a reason to try.

Dave Murray 

Training Consultant

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Dave’s career of working with troubled and delinquent youth as well as adults involved in the criminal justice system spans more than 30 years. His professional roots were established in residential treatment centers and psychiatric hospitals for both youth and adults. After becoming a certified Juvenile Probation Officer in central Texas he held several positions with the same department and retired after 24 years of service. Dave’s positions included Probation and Detention Intake, Specialized Sex Offender Caseload, Office Manager, ACA Accreditation Manager, Director of Field Probation Services, Director of Training, and Department Policy & Procedure Supervisor. Dave worked closely with the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and Sam Houston State University as a Resource Training officer and has been the recipient of the Outstanding Juvenile Resource Officer of the year award presented by Sam Houston State University.