What's the best way to build self-esteem for adults, when working with incarcerated people?

They need to be able to acknowledge weaknesses now so they can learn to fill the gaps in their education or social skills for when they get out. Learning boosts everybody's confidence and self esteem. Even just to find one thing that they are good at. Make sure that they areaware of the things that are under their control in prison. Control over ones environment, no matter how small, has a huge psychological boost. And this extends to control over themselves, their feelings and actions and that they always have a choice in how they respond to something. They will need to take this with them when they get out and I know many people who don't realise how much control they have over their lives. Empathy exercises can boost self esteem too. Learning to look someone in the eye and put yourself in their shoes can open the door to understanding others better which in turn makes people feel better about themselves.

Positive influence and personal growth education.