NCJ Number
221186
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 69 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2007 Pages: 58-61
Date Published
December 2007
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the development and testing of the Relational Inquiry Tool (RIT), which can serve as an easy-to-use method for recognizing and reinforcing the positive connections of family and social networks during and after incarceration.
Abstract
Pilot testing of the RIT at five sites, four of which were prisons, found that it increased openness between correctional staff and inmates; gave correctional staff an increased understanding of the inmate; and that both correctional staff and inmates believed the RIT would be beneficial in reentry planning. Family Justice joined with five partners across the country in designing the RIT. This project was bolstered by research which showed that a strength-based, family-focused approach has reduced reoffending and illegal drug use from 80 percent to 42 percent and improved overall family well-being. The RIT consists of a series of eight questions. The first three are as follows: "In thinking about your family support when you get out of prison, what are you most excited about?;" "In thinking about your family support when you get out of prison, what do you think the greatest challenges will be?;" and "How did you help your family and friends before you came to prison?" The questions are always asked in the order listed, and they are accompanied with recommended probes that are also open-ended questions pertinent to the family-focused, strength-based nature of the RIT. 4 notes