NCJ Number
248117
Date Published
2013
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the Trauma-Informed Care Initiative (TICI) of the Women's Community Correctional Center of Hawaii.
Abstract
Recognizing that most probationers and parolees in the community correctional center are trauma survivors and that many common institutional routines can re-traumatize women, the TICI reduces the use of restraints and isolation. Efforts to provide a healing environment for resident trauma survivors include mother-child activities that can maintain and strengthen bonds between mothers and their children; providing a peaceful outdoor area of flower gardens tended by residents; a range of job-training courses and courses in personal and spiritual development; four distinct substance abuse treatment programs; reentry and transition programs prior to release; and attendance at programs in the community that address trauma. Some keys to the success of the TICI are inspirational leadership; residents' involvement in program policy-making and planning; the involvement of community volunteers; and partnerships with other government agencies, academia, and community-based non-profit organizations. Initial planning, staff training, and implementation procedures for TICI are outlined.