Toward a Practice Framework for Throughcare Reintegration Programs

Abstract

Practice frameworks for programs supporting people to transition between prison and community are a critical resource for service agencies, researchers and policy makers. Although reintegration programs are often commissioned with reference to Risk-Needs-Responsivity and the Good Lives Model, these frameworks lack specificity for practical program design. Following recent meta-theoretical guidelines, we articulate a practice framework for reintegration programs over three levels: (1) principles and values; (2) knowledge related assumptions; and (3) intervention guidelines. Level 1 is drawn from the capability approach, which frames the goal of increasing the substantive freedom of individuals. Level 2 is drawn from desistance theory, which grounds claims that sustained cessation of offending is enabled by changes in people’s self-labels and narrative, relationships with friends and family, access to resources, and community participation. Level 3 is drawn from throughcare service design and structures practice into seven domains. This framework has potential to reduce rates of reincarceration.

Offending behaviour and mental ill-health among young people: Reducing recidivism requires integration with youth mental health care

“…Toronto’s Family Court Clinic) offered youth presenting to court psychosocial support delivered by mental health clinicians, including assessment, mental health consultation and referral services [ 33 ]. Broadening such integrated mental health supports beyond court to consider ‘through-care’, spanning first encounters with police [ 12 , 34 ] to supported post-custody release [ 35 ] remains a promising approach to explore and evaluate.…”