Integrated Trauma Treatment in Correctional Health Care and Community-Based Treatment Upon Reentry

Abstract

Given the crisis of mass incarceration in the United States and the high prevalence of trauma histories among those incarcerated, it is imperative to improve service delivery to inmates in correctional facilities and to those undergoing reentry in community-based treatment settings. This article provides trauma definitions and categories, describes the sequelae of trauma, reviews research on the high prevalence of incarceration in this nation, and reviews research on the high prevalence of trauma among the incarcerated. This article also provides a menu of evidence-based and promising treatment approaches to address the overlap among trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, and behavioral problems. A synthesis of research via seven points is meant to guide practitioner and policy responses to the national challenge of meeting the needs of those undergoing reentry.

Adverse Childhood Experiences in the Lives of Male Sex Offenders

“…By incorporating knowledge about trauma into our practices, therapists can model respectful interaction and encourage self-determination. Furthermore, new positive experiences allow not only for the healing of the soul and more effective ways of living but also might assist the brain to discover neural pathways to new behaviors (Creeden, 2009; Wallace, Conner, & Dass-Brailsford, 2011; Whitfield, 1998).…”

Adverse Childhood Experiences in the Lives of Female Sex Offenders

“…TIC thus helps clients to develop the self-observation skills necessary to improve self-regulatory capacity (Prescott & Wilson, 2013). Furthermore, corrective experiences not only allow for the healing of the soul but also assist the brain to route neural pathways to new behaviors (Creeden, 2009; Wallace, Conner, & Dass-Brailsford, 2011; Whitfield, 1998). TIC provides an innovative model for facilitating change in sex offender populations within a cognitive-behavioral framework.…”

Life on “the List” is a Life Lived in Fear: Post-Conviction Traumatic Stress in Men Convicted of Sexual Offenses

“…To be clear, not all abused children grow up to engage in crime, but the biological, social, and psychological consequences of early trauma raise the risk for criminal behavior later in life (Baglivio & Epps, 2016;Jäggi et al, 2016;Topitzes et al, 2011;Wallace et al, 2011). Mistreated youngsters may display impulsive or risk-taking behavior; they are more likely to associate with delinquent peers, to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, and to provoke interpersonal conflict with others.…”