Prison-based Programs Research Articles

Custodial Shadows: Lived Experiences of Postpartum Mothers Deprived of Liberty

Postpartum care is critical for women, particularly for those who are incarcerated, as they navigate both physical recovery and the unique challenges of their circumstances. Access to adequate healthcare within correctional systems remains severely limited, impacting the well-being of these women. While existing research has examined various prison-based programs—such as parenting classes, prison nurseries, and health initiatives—the voices and experiences of Postpartum Mothers Deprived of Liberty (PMDL) raising infants while imprisoned are often overlooked. This study aims to illuminate these experiences and how the prison environment influences their roles as mothers. Employing a descriptive phenomenological approach, this research involved a comprehensive literature review and purposive sampling to gather a targeted research sample. Specific criteria were established to identify eligible primary data sources. Data collection primarily utilized semi-structured interviews, allowing for open dialogue that facilitated a deep exploration of the informants' thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. Data analysis followed Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method, ensuring credibility and trustworthiness through triangulation techniques, including audio recordings, field notes, pilot testing, and consultations with a research expert and psychometrician. Member checking was also conducted to verify the accuracy of the findings based on the informants' experiences. The analysis revealed five key themes: "Accepting the Inevitable: The Problems Arise After Birth," "Amusement Amidst Dilemma," "Supporting the Unsung: Building Bridges for Mothers Behind Bars," "Resilient Solitude: Embracing Inner Peace Amidst Maternal Separation," and "Maternal Bonds in Confinement: Underdeveloped Maternal Identity." The study concludes that while PMDLs engage in livelihood initiatives, skill development, and support networks, their separation from their infants significantly hampers their ability to fulfill maternal obligations and undermines their identity as mothers.

Equity in the Prison Classroom: A learning curve for higher education

This position paper highlights the ways in which inequities are present within the prison higher education classroom and between the prison- and campus-based classrooms. The exploration of the teaching challenges inherent in this environment, as well as practices to mitigate the impact of the inequities, is useful for college and university faculty and administrators designing prison-based programs. The reflections here are based on experience within both state and federal women’s prisons in the state of Minnesota.

Effects of a Dog-Assisted Social- and Emotional-Competence Training for Prisoners: A Controlled Study.

Background: Previous research has called for improving psychological interventions and developing new treatments for prisoners. Animal-assisted prison-based programmes have increasingly been used as an approach, but there is a lack of studies investigating the effectiveness of such programmes. Objective: To investigate the effects of a dog-assisted social- and emotional-competence training on the socioemotional competences of prisoners compared to treatment as usual. Methods: In a controlled trial, we investigated 62 prisoners that participated in either a 6-month dog-assisted psychotherapeutic programme or the standard treatment. We assessed social and emotional competences before and after the training and at a 4-month follow-up. Data were analysed with linear models. Results: The prisoners’ self-assessed social and emotional competences did not differ. The psychotherapists rated the prisoners’ emotional competences in the intervention group higher at the follow-up but not after the training. The psychotherapists did not rate the prisoners’ social competences in the intervention group differently but did find them to have higher self-regulation at follow-up and lower aggressiveness after the training than the control group. Conclusions: This study indicates that dog-assisted programmes with a therapeutic aim might be beneficial for prisoners. However, the inconsistent results indicate that more research is needed to determine the potential and limits of animal-assisted programmes in forensic settings.

Assessing the Institutional Barriers and Individual Motivational Factors to Participation in Prison-Based Programs

Prison-based programs have been shown to reduce recidivism and aid successful reentry. Participation in prison programs has also been linked to reduced misconduct within prisons. And yet, programs are not always readily available and, even when they are available, some inmates may not be motivated or interested in participating in them. Using data collected from a private Southern prison, this study examined barriers and motivational factors related to participation in prison programing among a sample of 212 male inmates. Our results indicate that two of the barriers assessed, lack of space in the programs and programs not offered often enough, limited participation. Higher perceptions of prison legitimacy, interest in programs, and higher self-esteem were associated with higher levels of participation.

Certifying Incarcerated Persons as Peer Support Specialists: A Qualitative Exploration of A Prison-Based Program

ABSTRACT In this innovative program, incarcerated persons are credentialed as peer support specialists and – while still incarcerated – assist other incarcerated persons who have substance use disorders. To elucidate program impacts, we interviewed 23 agency staff, 13 incarcerated peer support specialists and/or persons supported, and 3 peer support specialists who returned to communities. Qualitative content analysis identified program benefits including the transformative power of training and a future career path for peer support specialists, as well as sobriety and support for incarcerated persons. Challenges included boundary issues for peer support specialists and lack of buy-in from front-line agency staff.

Hospitality education in New Zealand prisons

Hospitality education in New Zealand prisons

Effects of Participation in a Prison-Based Dog Training Program on Incarcerated Women

Abstract Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. Women who participated in a prison-based dog-training program (DTP) showed significant changes on some measures that may correlate to recidivism. There were also some changes in the control group that should be further explored. These results support the use of standardized DTPs in prison rehabilitation, but the long-term outcomes should continue to be examined. OTs in this setting may use DTPs as one tool to promote occupational and psychosocial well-being. Primary Author and Speaker: Ellen Lommel Sweder Contributing Authors: Regina A. D. Abel, Rachel Stromsland

PAW-sitive for Whom? Examining the Treatment Acceptability of Prison-Animal Programs

ABSTRACT Although prison-based animal programs (PAPs) are not routinely available in rehabilitation plans at correctional facilities, they may represent a viable treatment option given the growing evidence showing that interacting with animals develops vocational skills, decreases behavioral infractions, and fosters social skills and psychological wellbeing for prisoners. However, little is known about the general public’s attitudes towards PAPs, especially in relation to other treatment options. Understanding attitudes towards PAPs is relevant because these programs often depend on donations, coordination with non-profit agencies, and adoption fees from animal shelters to operate. This study examines whether individuals consider PAPs an acceptable treatment option for prisoners, and whether those decisions are influenced by prisoner characteristics. Using survey methodology with convenience sampling, 250 participants read vignettes that manipulated the characteristics of the prisoner by gender (male or female), ethnicity (Caucasian, African American, Indigenous/Native American), and crime (misdemeanor, murder, or sexual assault), and then evaluated the treatment acceptability of four treatment options (dog visitation, dog training and vocational programs, psychological counseling, or no treatment). While participants rated counseling most acceptable and no treatment least acceptable, opinions about PAPs varied. We found a gender × crime interaction, whereby participants rated PAPs more acceptable for prisoners who committed minor crimes, especially if they were female. We also found an ethnicity × crime interaction, whereby participants rated PAPs more acceptable for prisoners who committed minor crimes, especially if Indigenous or Caucasian. Our results highlight the presence of implicit bias in participant’s ratings of treatment acceptability. We discuss implications for rehabilitation programs.

Music and Theatre Making In Canadian Prisons

The benefits of engaging in theatre- and music-making have been well proven for various populations. (see Črnčec et al. 2006; Lehmberg and Fung 2010; Salur et al 2017, etc.) These benefits are particularly significant for individuals who have experienced trauma, especially incarcerated individuals. (see Kyprianides and Easterbrook 2020; Reid 2019, etc).
 Music and theatre programs vary in Canada, and are present in many Canadian prisons. In this paper, I examine two programs more closely: the grass roots program Pros and Cons at The Joyceville Institution in Kingston, Ontario, which involves a collaboration between volunteer musicians and a group of incarcerated men, and Diane Conrad’s work with a young offender’s facility in Alberta Canada, where she employed devised theatre techniques to create meaningful theatrical pieces within the prison’s walls. Both these programs are working towards a similar goal: preparing the incarcerated individuals to return to society through practicing and rehearsing healthy community and citizenship through collaborative music and theatre. While this is an admirable goal for this work, the conversation surrounding music and theatrical work in prisons has been focused on its rehabilitative aims and properties. In this presentation I will explore the features of both programs, examine the rehabilitation goals and the focus on rehabilitation in the literature on prison-based music and theatre programs, and discuss ways that Transformative Justice and the Abolitionist movement can be supported through these arts-based initiatives.

Effectiveness of Prison-based Vocational Training Programs for Female Inmates in Sri Lanka: Trainers’ Perspectives

This study intends to evaluate the effectiveness of vocational training programs for female inmates in Sri Lanka. This is a qualitative study based on vocational training programs conducted for female inmates in Dumbara (New Bogambara) and Kalutara prisons in Sri Lanka.The study used primary data and semi-structured in-depth interviews which were conducted with trainers engaged in providing vocational training programs for the female inmates in the chosen two prisons. Purposive sampling method was used. Data collection was carried out during September 2020 and due to the Covid-19 pandemic,access to the trainers was highly restricted and thereby the study was limited to interview onlyfour trainers. Thematic analysis was adopted for data analysis.The trainers emphasized on seven themes regardingthe effectiveness of vocational training programs conducted for the female inmates in the selected two prisons in Sri Lanka. Good organizational support for vocational training programs, positive reaction from female inmates to take the trainings, creating opportunities for female inmates to expand their learning and help exinmates to find self-employment opportunities, learning and behavioural changes among the inmates,promoting inter relationships among the female inmates, offering of effective incentive system for female inmates, cost avoidance in the prison.Findings implied that the effective conduct of vocational training programs for the female inmates is beneficial for the inmates, prison authorities and ultimately for the society at large.

Principles of condom provision programs in prisons from the standpoint of European prison health experts: a qualitative study

BackgroundCondom provision is one of the most effective harm reduction interventions to control sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis in prisons. Yet, very few countries around the world provide prisoners with condoms. The present study aimed to elucidate principles of effective prison-based condom programs from the perspective of European public health and prison health experts.MethodsAs a part of the “Joint Action on HIV and Co-infection Prevention and Harm Reduction (HA-REACT)” twenty-one experts from the field of prison health from eight European countries were invited to discuss the principles of condom provision programs in prisons within two focus groups. The audio records were transcribed verbatim, coded, categorized, and analyzed using thematic analysis method.ResultsSix components emerged from the analysis as essential for successful condom programs in prisons: (1) highlighting the necessity of condom provision in prisons, (2) engagement of internal and external beneficiaries in all stages of designing and implementing the program, (3) conducting a pilot phase, (4) condom program in a comprehensive package of harm reduction interventions, (5) vending machine as the best method of condom distribution in prisons and (6) assuring the sustainability and quality of the intervention.ConclusionResults of the present study can help prison health policy makers to design and conduct acceptable, accessible and high-quality prison-based condom provision programs, and consequently to mitigate the burden of STIs in prisons. Having access to high-quality healthcare services including condom provision programs is not only the right of prisoners to health, but also is a move towards achieving the sustainable development goal 3 of “leaving no one behind.”

Continuum of hepatitis C care cascade in prison and following release in the direct-acting antivirals era

BackgroundPeople with criminal justice involvement contribute remarkably to the rising hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden; however, the continuum of care is a major barrier to prison-based programs. We aimed to evaluate a comprehensive HCV care model in an Iranian provincial prison.MethodsBetween 2017–2018, in the Karaj Central Prison, newly admitted male inmates received HCV antibody testing and venipuncture for RNA testing (antibody-positive only). Participants with positive RNA underwent direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy (Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir). Sustained virological response was evaluated at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12).ResultsOverall, from 3485 participants, 182 (5.2%) and 117 (3.4%) tested positive for HCV antibody and RNA, respectively. Among 116 patients who were eligible for treatment, 24% (n = 28) were released before treatment and 72% (n = 83) initiated DAA therapy, of whom 81% (n = 67/83) completed treatment in prison, and the rest were released. Of total released patients, 68% (n = 30/44) were linked to care in community, and 70% (n = 21/30) completed treatment, including 60% (n = 12/20) and 90% (n = 9/10) among those who were released before and during treatment, respectively. The overall HCV treatment uptake and completion were 89% (n = 103/116) and 85% (n = 88/103), respectively. From people who completed treatment, 43% (n = 38/88) attended for response assessment and all were cured (SVR12 = 100%).ConclusionsIntegrated HCV care models are highly effective and can be significantly strengthened by post-release interventions. The close collaboration of community and prison healthcare systems is crucial to promote high levels of treatment adherence. Future studies should investigate the predictors of engagement with HCV care following release.

Post traumatic stress disorder in incarcerated populations: current clinical considerations and recommendations

Purpose Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may have a detrimental impact on the individual’s ability to benefit from rehabilitative prison-based programmes, and studies have also found that there is an association between PTSD and higher rates of re-offending. Studies have also found that a significant number of cases of trauma and PTSD go undetected and therefore untreated in individuals who are incarcerated. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was carried out exploring studies that have investigated PTSD in incarcerated populations to identify current clinical considerations and recommendations. Findings This paper explores the key findings from the literature and highlights the important clinical implications and recommendations. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper focusing specifically on how the findings from the literature can inform clinical practice and also what factors need to be given greater consideration, going beyond the current systematic and literature reviews in the field.

When gender goes to the dogs: Perceptions of masculinity and identity change among male participants in a prison-based animal program

It is argued that certain constructions of masculinity are considered “criminogenic.” Correctional programming has the potential to facilitate gendered identity shifts, of particular import since inner transformations may be key to desistance from crime. This study examines how identity meanings associated with criminogenic masculinity are changed among men participating in a prison-based animal program (PAP). Through focus groups with participants, this study explores the men’s perceptions of masculinity, negotiations of identity, and the role of the PAP in how they reframe affect and meaning. Ultimately, this study has implications for the potential of the PAP to promote desistance from crime.

Acceptability of prison-based take-home naloxone programmes among a cohort of incarcerated men with a history of regular injecting drug use

BackgroundTake-home naloxone (THN) programmes are an evidence-based opioid overdose prevention initiative. Elevated opioid overdose risk following prison release means release from custody provides an ideal opportunity for THN initiatives. However, whether Australian prisoners would utilise such programmes is unknown. We examined the acceptability of THN in a cohort of male prisoners with histories of regular injecting drug use (IDU) in Victoria, Australia.MethodsThe sample comprised 380 men from the Prison and Transition Health (PATH) Cohort Study; all of whom reported regular IDU in the 6 months prior to incarceration. We asked four questions regarding THN during the pre-release baseline interview, including whether participants would be willing to participate in prison-based THN. We describe responses to these questions along with relationships between before- and during-incarceration factors and willingness to participate in THN training prior to release from prison.ResultsMost participants (81%) reported willingness to undertake THN training prior to release. Most were willing to resuscitate a friend using THN if they were trained (94%) and to be revived by a trained peer (91%) using THN. More than 10 years since first injection (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.22, 95%CI 1.03–4.77), having witnessed an opioid overdose in the last 5 years (AOR 2.53, 95%CI 1.32–4.82), having ever received alcohol or other drug treatment in prison (AOR 2.41, 95%CI 1.14–5.07) and injecting drugs during the current prison sentence (AOR 4.45, 95%CI 1.73–11.43) were significantly associated with increased odds of willingness to participate in a prison THN programme. Not specifying whether they had injected during their prison sentence (AOR 0.37, 95%CI 0.18–0.77) was associated with decreased odds of willingness to participate in a prison THN training.ConclusionOur findings suggest that male prisoners in Victoria with a history of regular IDU are overwhelmingly willing to participate in THN training prior to release. Factors associated with willingness to participate in prison THN programmes offer insights to help support the implementation and uptake of THN programmes to reduce opioid-overdose deaths in the post-release period.

Understanding facilitators and barriers of direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus infection in prison.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health concern. Globally, 15% of those incarcerated are HCV-antibody positive (anti-HCV). Even where HCV treatment is available within prisons, treatment uptake has remained low. This qualitative study was conducted to understand the barriers and facilitators for the delivery of HCV treatment in prisons from the perspectives of prisoners. This is important to inform health messaging for HCV treatment within correctional institutions. Thirty-two prisoners (including eight women) with a history of injecting drug use participated in this qualitative study. Participants were equally recruited across four correctional centres (n=8 per site). Overall, 16 participants (50%) had chronic HCV at their most recent test, and two participants were awaiting test results at time of interview. Structural (eg proximity of health clinic) and patient-level (routine and motivation) factors were viewed as facilitators of HCV treatment within the prison setting. Structural (eg risk of reinfection) and social (eg lack of confidentiality and lack of social support) factors were perceived as barriers to prison-based HCV care and treatment. In conclusion, to increase HCV treatment uptake, prison-based programmes should implement (or advocate for) patient-centred treatment approaches that protect privacy, provide social support, and promote access to clean needles and substitution therapy to protect prisoners from reinfection.

The effectiveness of Dutch Cell Dogs in correctional facilities in the Netherlands: a study protocol of a quasi-experimental trial

BackgroundMany former inmates recidivate, resulting in high costs for societies worldwide. Evidence based treatment practices may not work in prisons, due to detainees’ lacking motivation, impaired well-being, and an unsafe group environment. One attempt to improve social group climate and well-being is the use of Prison-based Animal Programs (PAP). Using a quasi-experimental design, the aim of the current study is to examine the effectiveness of one such PAP in the Netherlands: Dutch Cell Dogs (DCD).Methods/DesignParticipants (N = 256) from 12 justice centers, including psychiatric, juvenile and adult facilities, will be recruited. Half of the sample (n = 128) will receive DCD training after voluntarily signing up (intervention group); The other half (n = 128) will be recruited to participate in the research and receive treatment-as-usual (TAU/Ccomparison group). Factors related to psychosocial functioning (e.g., self-esteem, empathy, self-control, life satisfaction, attention) and general therapeutic factors (i.e., therapeutic alliance, treatment motivation), expected to contribute to treatment success, will be assessed to measure the effectiveness of DCD. In addition, behavioral problems will be measured as well as recidivism rates. Questionnaires and neuropsychological tests will be employed to measure aforementioned outcome variables. Moreover, physiological data, based on heart rate and cortisol measures, will be collected to provide insight into the functioning of participants’ physiological stress response and to determine whether stress reduction occurs over time. Multimethod data collection will occur at pre-training (T1), at 1-month (halfway training/T2), at 2-months (end training/T3), and 6-months after the end of the training (follow up/T4).DiscussionThis is the first study to examine the effectiveness of a widely implemented PAP in the Netherlands. Challenges associated with conducting the proposed study are typical for practice based research in correctional settings (e.g., a demanding workload of staff, lack of motivation to participate in research). Study results on the effects of a PAP will have an impact on inmates, justice centers, and municipalities across the Netherlands.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered. The Netherlands National Trial Register TC = 6894.

Depression, Executive Dysfunction, and Prior Economic and Social Vulnerability Associations in Incarcerated African American Men.

Low executive function (EF) and depression are each determinants of health. This study examined the synergy between deficits in EF (impaired cognitive flexibility; >75th percentile on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test perseverative error score) and depressive symptoms (modified Centers for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression) and preincarceration well-being among incarcerated African American men ( N = 189). In adjusted analyses, having impaired EF and depression was strongly associated with pre-incarceration food insecurity (odds ratio [ OR] = 3.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.35, 10.77]), homelessness ( OR = 3.00, 95% CI [1.02, 8.80]), concern about bills ( OR = 3.76, 95% CI [1.42, 9.95]), low significant other support ( OR = 4.63, 95% CI [1.62, 13.24]), low friend support ( OR = 3.47, 95% CI [1.30, 9.26]), relationship difficulties ( OR = 2.86, 95% CI [1.05, 7.80]), and binge drinking ( OR = 3.62, 95% CI [1.22, 10.80]). Prison-based programs to treat depression and improve problem-solving may improve postrelease success.

Targeting recidivism, an evaluation study into the functioning and effectiveness of a prison-based treatment program

Targeting recidivism, an evaluation study into the functioning and effectiveness of a prison-based treatment program

Evaluating the responsivity principle in prison-based programs for sexual offending behavior

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the degree to which a US prison-based sexual offender treatment program adheres to the best practice responsivity principle and to shed light on why prison-based programs tend to have worse recidivism outcomes than community programs. Results will facilitate program development efforts as they transition from programming developed prior to the risk-needs-responsivity knowledge about what works in treatment.Design/methodology/approachA mix of qualitative and quantitative methods assessed treatment methods, therapeutic climate, group therapy environment, therapist style, and staff and participants’ perceptions.FindingsOverall, the analyses revealed insufficient adherence to the responsivity principle. The program used methods known to be effective with sexual offenders, but with deficient implementation. In group therapy sessions, therapeutic style deficiencies were demonstrated for stimulating growth, nurturance, and direction and control. Treatment program advancement was associated with group environment declines in cohesion, leader support, expressiveness, independence, and task orientation.Originality/valueResults suggest that improved treatment response can be achieved by modifying methods and style to foster participant internal control, eliminate unnecessary external control and fear-based compliance, maximize participant autonomy; implement strengths-based approaches and fewer deficit-based interventions; monitor and minimize participant shame, and create a transparent and consistent program milieu, with clear communication, individualization, and adequate resources. Study limitations include a lack of recidivism outcomes; that it is a single prison sample, excludes female and juvenile offenders, and lacks a community-based control group. Nonetheless, despite inherent responsivity vulnerabilities compared to community-based programs, this study indicates several ways that program developers can enhance adherence to the responsivity principle in institutional-based programs.