Creating trauma-informed correctional care: a balance of goals and environment

Abstract

BackgroundRates of posttraumatic stress disorder and exposure to violence among incarcerated males and females in the US are exponentially higher than rates among the general population; yet, abrupt detoxification from substances, the pervasive authoritative presence and sensory and environmental trauma triggers can pose a threat to individual and institutional stability during incarceration.ObjectiveThe authors explore the unique challenges and promises of trauma-informed correctional care and suggest strategies for administrative support, staff development, programming, and relevant clinical approaches.MethodA review of literature includes a comparison of gendered responses, implications for men's facilities, and the compatibility of trauma recovery goals and forensic programming goals.ResultsTrauma-informed care demonstrates promise in increasing offender responsivity to evidence-based cognitive behavioral programming that reduces criminal risk factors and in supporting integrated programming for offenders with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.ConclusionsIncorporating trauma recovery principles into correctional environments requires an understanding of criminal justice priorities, workforce development, and specific approaches to screening, assessment, and programming that unify the goals of clinical and security staff.

You Learn What You Live: Prevalence of Childhood Adversity in the Lives of Juveniles Arrested for Sexual Offenses

“…Unfortunately, American social policies designed to address child maltreatment have focused more heavily on offender punishment and child placement rather than primary prevention strategies (Larkin et al, 2014). In order to interrupt the intergenerational transmission of crime and victimization in our communities, it is critical that the child protection and juvenile justice systems invest in comprehensive prevention programs for high-risk families and intervene early with trauma-informed services for child victims (Anda, et al, 2010;Baglivio, et al, 2014;Miller & Najavits, 2012).…”

Modeling posttraumatic stress disorder among victimized women on probation and parole : examining the impact of childhood victimization.

“…Modules include a varying number of sessions on violence, abuse and trauma, the impact of trauma, and healing from trauma, and emphasize the development of coping skills through specific exercises to improve emotional wellness and a sense of safety (Najavits, 2002). They are designed to be implemented in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, and correctional settings, making them plausible for the treatment of women under community corrections (Miller & Najavits, 2012). The approach taken by these programs to addressing PTSD symptomology are consistent with the findings of the current study.…”

“…Benefits of implementing such programming include controlling and reducing the cost of heathcare for women involved with the justice system, in particular, controlling the high cost of higher levels of care including mental health housing units and inpatient stays, more effective behavioral management strategies, safer interactions between correctional staff and women under corrections, and greater job satisfaction for correctional employees (Miller & Najavits, 2012).…”

Emotional distress and sense of coherence in women completing a motivational program in five countries. A prospective study

“…This together might empower the women to find a meaningful life (Antonovsky, 1987). It is essential to keep the details of the women's traumatic histories to a minimum, to avoid triggering reactions to trauma (Miller and Najavits, 2012), and preferably guide the women to ease tension and to find coping strategies relevant to trauma, substance abuse, violence and crime, as in the "VINN" program. Through the group process (in "VINN") it is reasonable to believe that the participants increase their ability to understand their experiences (comprehensibility), make decisions about change (the meaningful and motivational component), address problems and stressors (manageability), and thus promote their SOC and decrease their emotional distress.…”

“…Studies on women's programs in the criminal justice system have addressed specific individual factors such as substance abuse (Zlotnick et al, 2009;Najavits et al, 2007), traumas (Covington, 2003;Miller and Najavits, 2012), self-efficacy (Pelissier and Jones, 2006) and measured recidivism (Andrews et al, 2012;Grella and Rodriguez, 2011). Two systematic reviews identifying interventions tailored for women were published in 2014.…”