Recidivism rates, or the rate at which individuals who have been previously incarcerated return to prison, are a pressing concern in modern-day society. Many people who re-offend experience similar patterns of trauma throughout their lives, which are often exacerbated by the incarceration process. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that is gaining traction in correctional facilities and may be the key to reducing recidivism rates. In this blog post, we will discuss the impact of trauma-informed care on lowering recidivism rates.
Understanding Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma in the incarcerated population. It supports prevention, intervention, and post-release services that are specifically designed to address the needs of trauma survivors. This approach takes into account the experiences of the individual and seeks to understand how these experiences have shaped their behavior.
Trauma-informed care goes beyond traditional approaches by acknowledging that many individuals involved in the criminal justice system have experienced traumatic events in their lives. These experiences can range from childhood abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence to interpersonal trauma and systemic injustices. By recognizing the prevalence and impact of trauma, trauma-informed care aims to create an environment that promotes healing, resilience, and empowerment.
This approach recognizes that trauma can have profound effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It understands that trauma can shape a person’s beliefs, coping mechanisms, and behaviors. Let’s discuss a few aspects of trauma-informed care.
- Prevention: Prevention is an essential aspect of trauma-informed care. It focuses on addressing the root causes of trauma and reducing its impact on individuals and communities. This includes implementing trauma-informed practices in educational settings, community programs, and social services to create safe and supportive environments that help prevent the occurrence of future trauma.
- Intervention: Intervention is another key component of trauma-informed care. It involves providing timely and effective support to individuals who have experienced trauma. This may include trauma-focused therapy, counseling, and evidence-based treatments that address the specific symptoms and challenges associated with trauma. By offering interventions that are sensitive to the needs of trauma survivors, trauma-informed care can help individuals heal and break the cycle of trauma.
- Post-release services: Post-release services play a critical role in trauma-informed care, as they aim to support individuals during their transition back into the community. This includes providing access to resources such as housing assistance, employment support, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. By offering comprehensive and coordinated post-release services, trauma-informed care recognizes the challenges that individuals face when re-entering society and provides the necessary support to help them rebuild their lives healthily and sustainably.
Lowering Recidivism Rates through Trauma-Informed Care
Studies have shown that trauma-informed care can significantly reduce recidivism rates. A study conducted by the Urban Institute found that incarcerated youth who received TIC services had a 13% lower risk of recidivism than those who did not. This finding is supported by other research, which shows that TIC can promote positive outcomes, such as increased feelings of safety, reduced stress, and improved mental health.
In addition to the positive impact on recidivism rates, trauma-informed care has been found to have broader benefits for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. By addressing the underlying trauma that may contribute to criminal behavior, TIC can lead to improved emotional regulation, enhanced problem-solving skills, and increased self-esteem. It can also foster healthier relationships, both within correctional facilities and in the community, as individuals learn to recognize and respond to their own needs and the needs of others in a more empathetic and supportive manner. Ultimately, trauma-informed care not only reduces the risk of re-offending but also promotes overall well-being and better life outcomes for individuals affected by trauma.
Rehabilitation and Trauma-Informed Care
One of the primary ways that trauma-informed care can impact recidivism rates is through the rehabilitation process. By providing trauma-informed therapy and support, individuals can address the root causes of their behavior and develop the skills needed to avoid reoffending. This approach recognizes that many individuals who are incarcerated have experienced traumatic events, which can lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms and criminal behavior. Trauma-informed care seeks to address these underlying issues by providing specialized care that is designed to meet the unique needs of each individual.
The Correctional Environment and Trauma-Informed Care
In addition to rehabilitation, trauma-informed care can also impact recidivism rates through the correctional environment. Traditional correctional facilities are often designed to emphasize control and punishment rather than rehabilitation. This can lead to increased stress and trauma for incarcerated individuals, making it more likely that they will re-offend upon release. Trauma-informed care seeks to create a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing, rather than further trauma.
Aftercare Services and Trauma-Informed Care
Moreover, trauma-informed care emphasizes the importance of aftercare services, which can have a significant impact on reducing recidivism rates. These services include things like job training, housing assistance, and peer support groups. By providing these resources, individuals are better equipped to reintegrate into their communities and find a sense of purpose in life after incarceration. They can use the skills they have learned through TIC to establish relationships and a sense of purpose, making it less likely that they will re-offend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the impact of trauma-informed care on reducing recidivism rates cannot be overstated. By providing specialized care and aftercare services that address the underlying causes of criminal behavior, individuals are better equipped to avoid reoffending. Moreover, TIC can create a safer and more supportive environment within correctional facilities, reducing the trauma that incarcerated individuals experience. As more correctional facilities adopt a trauma-informed approach, we can expect to see a significant reduction in recidivism rates and better outcomes for those who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system.
Sources Cited
- Barnert ES, Perry R, Morris RE, et al. Trauma-Informed Juvenile Justice Systems: A Systematic Review of Definitions and Core Components. Child Maltreat. 2020;25(2):134-146. doi:10.1177/1077559519837183
- Finkelstein, N. (2020). What is trauma-informed care and why is it important? National Council for Behavioral Health. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Trauma-Informed-Care-Infographic-2020.pdf
- National Institute of Corrections. (2014). The impact of trauma on individuals and the justice system. Retrieved from https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.nicic.gov/Library/028080.pdf
- Sullivan, C.M., Holton, E.F. & King, B.P. (2015). Reducing re-victimization and incarceration among women who have experienced violence. Criminology & Public Policy, 14(4), 589-596. Doi: 10.1111/1745-9133.12162
- Urban Institute. (2018). Leveraging trauma-informed care to reduce recidivism among youth. Retrieved from https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/98263/leveraging_trauma-informed_care_to_reduce_recidivism_among_youth_1.pdf
