The Impact of Trauma and the Use of Trauma-Informed Programming Within a Correctional Facility
Description
PURPOSE: The “tough on crime” narrative has dominated the corrections system for the past few decades, which has led to mass incarceration and high recidivism rates. The emphasis on punishment within corrections ignores many important patterns that emerge within the United States’ prison population, specifically examining how trauma plays a role in offending. The need for trauma-informed care will be demonstrated through an extensive literature review on trauma and examining the impact of trauma-informed care at Carson City Correctional Facility in Michigan. CHALLENGE: The main challenges during the experience were navigating the administration of the Michigan Department of Corrections and learning how to effectively communicate with the various populations within the facility. EXPERIENCE: Worked with counselors, social workers, and psychologists to develop treatment plans for individuals. Observed violence prevention, domestic violence, sex offender, and mental health programming. Developed rapport with inmates of various criminal backgrounds and levels of security. OUTCOME: Established a deeper understanding of programming within a correctional setting and how trauma impacts individuals within the justice system, specifically adult males. IMPACT: The internship provided vital insight into the correctional system and reiterates the literature on trauma within correctional facilities. The experience exposed me to different age groups, communities, and cultures that are affected by the criminal justice system.
The Impact of Trauma and the Use of Trauma-Informed Programming Within a Correctional Facility
PURPOSE: The “tough on crime” narrative has dominated the corrections system for the past few decades, which has led to mass incarceration and high recidivism rates. The emphasis on punishment within corrections ignores many important patterns that emerge within the United States’ prison population, specifically examining how trauma plays a role in offending. The need for trauma-informed care will be demonstrated through an extensive literature review on trauma and examining the impact of trauma-informed care at Carson City Correctional Facility in Michigan. CHALLENGE: The main challenges during the experience were navigating the administration of the Michigan Department of Corrections and learning how to effectively communicate with the various populations within the facility. EXPERIENCE: Worked with counselors, social workers, and psychologists to develop treatment plans for individuals. Observed violence prevention, domestic violence, sex offender, and mental health programming. Developed rapport with inmates of various criminal backgrounds and levels of security. OUTCOME: Established a deeper understanding of programming within a correctional setting and how trauma impacts individuals within the justice system, specifically adult males. IMPACT: The internship provided vital insight into the correctional system and reiterates the literature on trauma within correctional facilities. The experience exposed me to different age groups, communities, and cultures that are affected by the criminal justice system.