1 Rehabilitation: The Ideal vs. The Context Faye S. Taxman, Danielle S. Rudes, Catherine Salzinger, Michael Caudy, & Amy Murphy George Mason University

Rehabilitation 1.Educate in basic or vocational skills; 2.Involve in therapeutic activities to facilitate changes in attitudes, behaviors, or values; or, 3.Alter through punishment. The rehabilitation ideal provides a punitive experience with opportunities to learn to become a contributing member of society. 2

Challenges: Providing rehabilitative services within correctional settings.  Correctional settings do not allow for autonomy, they focus on control. (Toch, 1987; Goffman, 1961; Dahlen & Johnson, 2010)  Correctional settings replace client-centered efforts with programming suitable for a punitive setting. (Dahlen & Johnson, 2010)  Correctional settings affect staff actions and behaviors by emphasizing control. (Rudes, Lerch, & Taxman, 2011)  Can “what works” (evidence-based practices) thrive within a correctional culture? 3

Study—Mixed Methods  Used RNR Program Tool for Adults to assess use of evidence-based practices and quality programming in one community (N=38)  Content analysis of 4 common curriculums: Seeking Safety (SS), A Cognitive Behavioral Approach: Treating Cocaine Addiction (CBT), Thinking for a Change (T4C), & Strategies for Self-Improvement and Change (SSC) 4

RNR Program Tool for Adults Ranks Programs Based on EBPs and “What Works” 5

Average quality score (lowest scores in implementation and needs) 55/100 Average # of therapeutic approaches used3.5 % programs that use more controls than therapeutic approaches 53% % programs that use more sanctions than rewards53%

Curriculum Review: Positive & Forward vs. Negative & Backward Criminal Justice Curricula Non-Criminal Justice Curricula T4CSSCSSCBT Present/Fwd Looking38%11%26%25% Positive/Supportive31%28%18%23% Backward Looking48%29%16%6% Negative Lang/Dir---17%45%38% Present/Positive 54%46% Backwd/Negative 47%52% 7

Curriculum Review: Therapeutic Direction 8 “Show them how to do this” (T4C). “If the patient becomes upset, emphasize the emotional pain and then redirect the conversation to a neutral, present topic” (SS). Minimal use in CJ curricula (just 13 times total, <1%) More common in non-CJ curricula (59 occurrences; about 3% of codes).

Implications of the Culture of Control  Affects treatment programs in untold ways  Structurally, programs reinforce the notion of control  Difficult to build programs that focus on motivation and client-centered care  Emphasis on risk management is directed at staff; privileging controls over incentives  Curriculums reinforce the notion that individuals must change regardless of content 9

Thank you! Questions & Comments Catherine Salzinger 10