Showing papers in "Journal of Offender Rehabilitation in 2023"
TL;DR: In this article , a review of training programs that capitalize on the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model shows that community supervision can lead to changes in officer behavior and reduced recidivism.
Abstract: Abstract The premier paradigm of offender rehabilitation is the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model and several training programs for community corrections officers to better apply the RNR principles have been developed. This article summarizes and critiques three major training models: STICS, EPICS, and STARR. Furthermore, lessons are drawn from the research to guide further improvements in the training of community correctional staff. The community supervision of persons in conflict with the law is one of the most widely used correctional sanctions in North America and yet, its effectiveness in reducing recidivism is questionable. The review of training programs that capitalize on the RNR model shows that community supervision can lead to changes in officer behavior and reduced recidivism. However, to achieve promising results modifications to the training and to the agencies that adopt such training programs are necessary.
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TL;DR: This article analyzed bivariate statistics (Pearson's chi-squares and independent-samples t tests) in two studies to highlight differences in mental health needs, jail-based processes, and mental health jail interventions (MHJIs) between Women of Color (WoC) and White Women (WW).
Abstract: Abstract Although women in jail are the fastest-growing correctional population in the United States and research suggests that gender, race, and ethnicity predict the experiences of incarcerated people, scant research has addressed the experiences of women in jail. The current study analyzed bivariate statistics (Pearson’s chi-squares and independent-samples t tests) in two studies to highlight differences in mental health needs, jail-based processes, and mental health jail interventions (MHJIs) between Women of Color (WoC) and White Women (WW). Findings show important differences exist among WW and WoC. For example, we found WW were more likely than WoC to receive past mental health treatment and to be currently taking medications for a mental health diagnosis. Additionally, compared to WW, WoC are more likely to participate in MHJI programs in metropolitan counties and received more mental health services in the pre-period. Interventions designed to reduce recidivism should be designed with these differences in mind.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors examined probation officers' perceptions of using Contingency Management (CM) to engage caregivers and assessed probation officers knowledge and CM delivery after training in a protocol-specific CM program for caregivers of substance-using youth on probation.
Abstract: Abstract Few community-based substance use treatment programs are available or skilled in treating justice-involved youth, highlighting the need to equip juvenile probation officers with the skills to deliver evidence-based substance use treatment. Contingency management (CM) is evidence-based for treating substance use and shows promise for juvenile probation officers’ successful uptake (positive opinions and trainability). However, research has not examined whether probation officers’ positive beliefs and trainability generalize to target behaviors beyond those displayed by youth, but that nevertheless affect youth outcomes. This study examined probation officers’ perceptions of using CM to engage caregivers and assessed probation officers’ CM knowledge and CM delivery after training in a protocol-specific CM program for caregivers of substance-using youth on probation. Results showed probation officers were ambivalent about CM for caregivers. Results also showed that age, training format and how competency is assessed may be essential to consider. Implications for the dissemination of CM and future research are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors conducted a budget impact analysis and enumerated the labor costs incurred during this important stage of implementation of VR-JIT, and estimated the cost of implementation preparation activities (e.g., organizing workflow) for two prisons to deliver VRJIT.
Abstract: Abstract Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT) has increased employment rates for returning citizens when added to a successful prison-based employment readiness program. However, implementation preparation cost—expenses prior to offering VR-JIT to intended recipients—is unknown. We estimated the cost of implementation preparation activities (e.g., organizing workflow) for two prisons to deliver VR-JIT. We conducted a budget impact analysis and enumerated the labor costs incurred during this important stage of implementation. Labor costs were approximately $8,847 per prison. Our sensitivity analysis estimated the labor costs to replicate this effort in a new prison to range from $2,877 to $4,306 per prison. Thus, VR-JIT may be an affordable tool for prison-based employment readiness programs to improve gainful employment.
TL;DR: In this paper , a statewide sample of all adults in community supervision between 2018 and 2019 (N = 33,079) was used to assess the effects of mental health on substance use risks and needs, and whether age moderates this relationship.
Abstract: Abstract Adults in community supervision (i.e., probation or parole) face disproportionately higher rates of substance use disorders (SUDs) compared to the general population, with older adults facing heightened risks. Further, SUDs often co-occur with mental illness, yet few studies have examined co-occurring SUDs and mental illness (CODs) among adults in community supervision and how these experiences vary across the life course. This study utilized a statewide sample of all adults in community supervision between 2018 and 2019 (N = 33,079) to assess the effects of mental health on substance use risks and needs, and whether age moderates this relationship. Multilevel modeling was used to examine associations while controlling for variation across judicial circuits. Findings revealed that substance use risk and need varies across circuits, effects of mental health on substance use vary regionally, and older persons in community supervision exhibit the highest rates of COD treatment needs. Social workers may benefit from these findings, which suggest a need for increased awareness of potential co-occurring needs among older adults in supervision, and available community-based interventions to meet these needs. Research evaluating training and available resources in the delivery of care for those with CODs in supervision remains a serious need.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors employ a qualitative methodology to understand the experiences of women visitors visiting a prison in Kashmir and reveal that these women face difficulties in visiting their incarcerated kin, endure emotionally intense experiences, and the traumatic experience of prison visitation, ironically, acts as a blessing in disguise.
Abstract: Abstract Among many of the activities concerned with the “collateral consequences of incarceration,” visitation has been quite a challenge. In particular, women visitors face several challenges while visiting a carceral space. Using semi-structured interviews with women having a family member incarcerated, we explore the experiences of women visitors visiting a prison in Kashmir. The paper employs a qualitative methodology to understand the experiences of these women visitors. The paper tries to understand the ways in which the prison regime dictates and directs their lives. The paper emphasizes the fact that the effects of incarceration are tremendously bore by these women who jeopardize their own economic and social capital in order to maintain ties with an incarcerated individual. These women are claimed to be the “other victims of crime” and are treated as quasi-inmates inside the carceral spaces. These women live lives marked with stigma and suspicion as they are often assumed to have known about the crime. Thus, they suffer from courtesy stigma and the taint of being equally involved in the crime. The findings reveal that these women face difficulties in visiting their incarcerated kin, endure emotionally intense experiences, and the traumatic experience of prison visitation, ironically, acts as a blessing in disguise. They become increasingly absorbed into the correctional facility, suffer the anxiety of waiting and frustration to meet institutional dictates, and elation or despair that stays with them after spending time with their loved ones in prison.
TL;DR: In this article , adverse reentry experiences were examined as determinants of suicidal ideation among post-incarcerated men and women, and they found that women were more sensitive to relational reentry barriers, whereas health-related barriers exerted an amplified effect on suicidal intent for their male counterparts.
Abstract: Abstract Individuals who had contact with the criminal justice system are at high risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. The links between suicide risk and adverse experiences during the transition from prison to community are not well understood. This study sought to fill that gap by examining adverse reentry experiences as determinants of suicidal ideation among post-incarcerated men and women. Longitudinal data documenting reentry experiences during the first four to eight months after release were analyzed in binary cross tabulations and multivariate regression models. Results indicated that multiple reentry barriers in financial, relational and health domains exerted positive effects on suicidal ideation. Further, gender intersected with reentry barriers to predict suicidal ideation. Post-incarcerated women were more sensitive to relational reentry barriers, whereas health-related barriers exerted an amplified effect on suicidal ideation for their male counterparts. Policy implications and directions for future research are provided.
TL;DR: In this paper , the factors that were correlated with injection drug use (IDU) and with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment engagement among individuals who were recently released from prison were investigated.
Abstract: Abstract Objectives This study aimed to classify the factors that were correlated with injection drug use (IDU) and with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment engagement among individuals who were recently released from prison. Methods Data for this study were obtained from a Midwestern reentry program for incarcerated individuals with co-occurring opioid use and a mental health disorder between May 1, 2017, and April 30, 2020. CHAID decision tree modeling was utilized to classify IDU and MOUD treatment engagement. Results Those most likely to report IDU were individuals with a Hepatitis C diagnosis and a history of overdose, and those least likely to report IDU were not diagnosed with Hepatitis C, identified as a person of color, and never overdosed on opioids. The subgroup of that were most likely to report MOUD treatment engagement were individuals taking psychiatric medication and who had a history of IDU. The subgroup of participants least likely to report MOUD treatment engagement were individuals prescribed psychiatric medication, without had a history of IDU, and were not participating in substance-use treatment. Conclusion Our findings indicate that, to protect vulnerable populations and to flatten the overdose mortality curve, an increased focus is required within criminal/legal systems to facilitate linkages to care at reentry.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors examined the perceptions of direct care workers at an all-male juvenile residential treatment facility for at-risk youth and found that they perceived youth with mental health issues less favorably than youth without mental health problems.
Abstract: Abstract Despite the growing number of youths with mental health needs entering the juvenile justice system, few studies have been conducted on direct care workers’ (DCW) perceptions of youth with mental health issues. This study examined the perceptions of DCW at an all-male juvenile residential treatment facility for at-risk youth. Specifically, the study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques to survey DCW on their perceptions of youth with and without mental health issues, as well as their work with both populations. The findings suggest that DCW perceive youth with mental health issues less favorably than youth without mental health issues. They also report their work performance to be less effective with youth mental health issues compared to their work with youth without mental health issues. DCW further suggest more resources and training for work with youth who have severe mental health issues, to properly address their needs.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined how formerly incarcerated women coped with reentry and employment challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, including social isolation due to quarantine and the inability to seek employment due to public health concerns.
Abstract: Abstract This study examines how formerly incarcerated women coped with reentry and employment challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifteen women were interviewed during and after their stay at a halfway house beginning in March 2020. The primary challenges women faced due to the pandemic were social isolation due to quarantine and the inability to seek employment due to public health concerns. Women coped with the pandemic by either (1) leaving the halfway house, (2) remaining in the halfway house and engaging in healthy coping strategies, or (3) remaining in the halfway house without improving or regressing. I categorize women into the following groups based on these coping styles: flyers, fighters, and freezers.
TL;DR: In this article , a creative writing intervention which was designed to improve family relationships, self-concept and skills of people in prison was reported, which led to better relationships between the participants themselves.
Abstract: Abstract This paper reports a creative writing intervention which was designed to improve family relationships, self-concept and skills of people in prison. Male prisoners (N = 8) produced a novel for their children. The novel was thematically analysed alongside interview data from the writers, their families (N = 15) and prison staff (N = 3) to evaluate the impact of the project. The novel had themes of “Challenging the notion of ‘bad’” and “people change for the better.” Interview data suggested that the intervention helped families feel more connected. It also led to better relationships between the participants themselves. Interviews suggested that participants felt a sense of achievement and that they had developed their skills. Findings suggest that the project was effective in enhancing connections between family members and led to a more positive self-concept and enhanced skills.
TL;DR: A pilot evaluation explored the strengths and weaknesses of a prison-based theological education program and identified elements of the program valued by participants, based on the theory that providing inmates with education while incarcerated facilitates change and transforms lives as mentioned in this paper .
Abstract: Abstract This pilot evaluation explored the strengths and weaknesses of a prison-based theological education program and identified elements of the program valued by participants, based on the theory that providing inmates with education while incarcerated facilitates change and transforms lives. Participants included currently and formerly incarcerated studies who completed quantitative and qualitative surveys (N = 50) and who were interviewed in focus groups (N = 15). Researchers used a thematic analysis approach to interpret the data to reveal three major themes: (1) prosocial associates; (2) prosocial cognitions; and (3) prosocial activities. Exploring both the quantitative and qualitative experiences of participants is especially important for understanding the lived experiences of individuals participating in faith-based programs Initial findings indicate that The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) faith based educational program was positively associated with participants’ prosocial thinking and behavior.
TL;DR: In this paper , the impact of COVID-19 on justice-involved African Americans during incarceration and post-release was explored, which revealed four major themes: stress, reentry, substance use, and community adjustment.
Abstract: Abstract This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on justice-involved African Americans during incarceration and post-release. The study population comprised 25 African American men and women recently released from prison. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, and the reflexive thematic analysis process was utilized. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted and imported into NVivo 11 qualitative research software. The analysis revealed four major themes: stress, reentry, substance use, and community adjustment. The findings implied a need for (1) policy creation and revision to prepare jails and prisons for public health crises; (2) more realistic post-release coping strategies to prepare individuals to face post-release obstacles, such as COVID-19, housing, employment, relapse, and social reintegration; (3) improvements in data collection and transparency in disseminating such data to enhance healthcare services in jails and prisons; and (4) additional evidence-based research to address current concerns with data availability, misreporting, reporting delays, testing rate differences, and inconsistencies in population estimates.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors explored the challenges encountered by released juvenile offenders in Accra, employing the qualitative research method, using the phenomenological approach, and revealed the need for implementing the Justice for Children policy in Ghana.
Abstract: Abstract This article explores the challenges encountered by released juvenile offenders in Accra, employing the qualitative research method, using the phenomenological approach. Twelve young male adults released from the senior correctional center in Accra took part in interviews which analyzed the Interpretative Phenomenological Approach. The findings of the study reveal that the participants encountered educational and employment challenges. Factors that fueled these challenges include the lack of financial resources and stigma. The lack of state support for the reintegration of released juvenile offenders was also another major contributing factor, the study identified. The findings of this study reveal the need for implementing the Justice for Children policy in Ghana. Context-related reintegration processes for children in conflict with the law suitable for the African and the Ghanaian terrain must be incorporated into the juvenile justice administration. This move is to ensure that released juvenile offenders are cared for. The findings further call for more research into reintegration programs fit for the African context and curated to meet the needs of these released juvenile offenders.
TL;DR: This article examined how wrongful convictions impact employment and education throughout one's life-course and found that wrongfully incarcerated individuals experience a multitude of barriers when trying to gain employment post-release.
Abstract: Abstract Attention given to wrongful convictions typically focuses on those experiences leading up to release and less on community reentry post-release. The current study contributes to existing conversations regarding community reintegration of wrongfully convicted individuals by focusing on employment. Using qualitative interviews with 19 individuals who were wrongfully convicted, I examine how wrongful convictions impact employment and education throughout one’s life-course. Findings reveal that wrongful convictions cause disruption to educational and career trajectories. While wrongfully incarcerated, programs are not provided to successfully reenter the community upon release. Finally, participants experience a multitude of barriers when trying to gain employment post-release. Policy implications, limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.
TL;DR: In this article , the level of force used by crisis intervention team (CIT) and non-CIT officers responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis (N =382) was examined.
Abstract: Abstract This study examined the level of force used by Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and non-CIT officers responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis (N = 382). Level of force was coded using National Institute of Justice (2009) strategy, least to most lethal. Analyses examined differences in officers’ use of force by CIT-training status and citizen characteristics. Results indicated CIT-trained officers were less likely to use any level of force and more likely to use the lowest level of force, compared to non-CIT-trained officers. CIT-trained officers were significantly less likely to escalate to higher levels of force, utilizing the lowest level of force more often.
TL;DR: In this article , a mixed-methods study aimed to explore both ICSOs and ICGOs perceptions of reentry and desistance upon release from prison, and found that ICSO's reported similar levels of preparedness for reentry, and obstacles to desistence (e.g., negative influences, employment/schooling).
Abstract: Abstract While there is a wealth of literature on recidivism following release from correctional facilities, it remains unclear whether this desistance process varies across offender types. Specifically, individuals convicted of sexual offenses (ICSOs) may face unique challenges upon return to the community and thus, it is important to explore how ICSOs plans for transitioning to the community and remaining crime free differ from individuals convicted of general (non-sexual) offenses’(ICGOs). To this end, the present mixed-methods study aimed to explore both ICSOs and ICGOs perceptions of reentry and desistance upon release from prison. A sample of male ICGOs (n = 139) and ICSOs (n = 106) nearing release from a maximum-security prison were interviewed about their crimes and expectations upon release. Overall, ICSOs and ICGOs reported similar levels of preparedness for reentry and obstacles to desistence (e.g., negative influences, employment/schooling). However, ICSOs anticipated difficulty complying with restrictions, which may be a result of the unique legislation they are subject to upon release. Overall, this study sheds light on the importance of programming and transition services to prepare those being released from correctional facilities for reentry, particularly those convicted of a sexual offense who may face additional barriers when returning to their communities.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors explore practitioners' experiences of working with people who were incarcerated in the liminal phase of reentry, where one is neither prisoner nor citizen but in-between.
Abstract: Abstract More than half of Australia’s prison population have experienced prior incarceration. Factors such as homelessness, mental illness, and poverty compound the challenges of reentry. Reentry support in Victoria, Australia is state funded, yet delivered via three non-governmental organizations. In this article we explore practitioners’ experiences of working with people who were incarcerated in the liminal phase of reentry—where one is neither prisoner nor citizen but in-between. Practitioners reported trust and rapport are the central pillars of practice and choose to utilize strengths-based approaches instead of risk-based approaches, but felt that service brokerage is impeded by associated professionals’ concerns around risk.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors examined the experiences that coaches describe about coaching sports programs in prison and sought to identify similarities and differences coaches perceive between coaching sports in prison (e.g., physical weakness, external disturbance sources, demands on coaches).
Abstract: Abstract Participation in sport can be a way to facilitate offender rehabilitation. Previous research has mainly studied outcomes of sport participation for inmates, largely neglecting the coaches providing such sport programs. This study examines the experiences that coaches describe about coaching sports programs in prison and seeks to identify similarities and differences coaches perceive between coaching sports in prison and coaching sports in other settings. The reflection protocols of five coaches were analyzed using qualitative, thematic content analysis, yielding four themes (plus sub-themes): Expectations (assumptions and approaches, role of own personality and performance); relationship with participants of the sports program (naming of participants, social relationships with participants); similarities with training groups in other settings (motivation of participants, training atmosphere); and differences to other settings (dealing with physical weakness, external disturbance sources, demands on coaches). The findings suggest that specific training is necessary to adequately prepare coaches for providing sports programs in prison.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors analyzed data collected from 109 interviews in California, Texas, and Kansas with currently incarcerated students of a prison-based theological education program called TUMI and with formerly incarcerated graduates who had participated in the program while they were incarcerated.
Abstract: Abstract Increasing access to higher education in prison is a topic of growing concern among researchers and correctional staff. The current evaluation analyzed data collected from 109 interviews in California, Texas, and Kansas with currently incarcerated students of a prison-based theological education program called The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) and with formerly incarcerated graduates who had participated in the program while they were incarcerated. In addition, 157 surveys were collected from individuals in California, Texas, Kansas, and Colorado who were currently incarcerated and formerly incarcerated program graduates. This study highlighted participants’ perceived impact of TUMI, particularly on how they perceive overall program quality, areas for improvement, self-rated psychological well-being, and evaluation of prosocial thinking, behavior, and relationships, all of which contribute to identity change and desistance.