In the Russian Empire, the correction of juvenile offenders began with the opening of the first correctional home in Moscow in 1864. This institution was created with funds raised by concerned citizens. However, it was severely lacking in teachers and educators, as few wanted to work with young criminals. Nikolai Rukavishnikov, a graduate of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at Moscow University, agreed to take charge of this institution.

When Rukavishnikov started working at the orphanage, he experienced cultural shock due to the behavior of the wards. The boys were hooligans, set fires, procured alcohol, and disobeyed adults. Nikolai Vasilyevich decided to change the situation. He improved living conditions: he purchased comfortable beds, nightstands, desks, notebooks, and textbooks. Rukavishnikov sought to engage the children in science, sports, and labor. Laboratories for chemistry and geography were opened, a gymnasium with gymnastic equipment, and workshops: tailoring, case-making, bookbinding, painting, and shoemaking. The director hired the best craftsmen and worked alongside the children. The wards earned money from selling their products.

The director also organized leisure activities: in winter, the children skated, and in summer, they played in the yard. On major holidays, they were allowed to visit their parents, and they always returned. During Rukavishnikov's tenure, there was not a single escape. After their release, the children continued to be monitored, receiving financial assistance and job placements, which minimized recidivism.

The children loved their teacher, and he could not imagine life without them. In July 1875, Rukavishnikov caught a cold during an excursion to the Sparrow Hills and soon died. His work continued until the Civil War, but in 1920, the correctional school was closed.