Creating Trauma-Informed Correctional Care: A Balance of Goals and Environment

• NCJ Number: 242331
• Journal: European Journal of Psychotraumatology Volume: 3 Dated: 2012
• Author(s): Niki A. Miller; Lisa M. Najavits
• Date Published: 2012
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research); Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This literature review explores the distinctive challenges and promises in trauma-informed correctional care and suggests strategies for administrative support, staff development, programming, and relevant clinical approaches.

Abstract

The literature review focuses on a comparison of gendered responses to trauma, implications for men's facilities, and the compatibility of trauma-recovery goals and forensic programming goals. Incorporating trauma recovery principles into correctional environments requires an understanding of criminal justice priorities, workforce development, and specific approaches to screening, assessment, and programming that unify the goals of clinical and security staff. Trauma-informed care accurately identifies trauma and related symptoms, the training of all staff to be aware of the impact of trauma, minimizing re-traumatization, and a fundamental "do no harm" approach that is sensitive to how institutions may inadvertently re-enact traumatic dynamics. Trauma-informed care shows promise in increasing offender responsiveness to evidence-based cognitive behavioral programming that reduces criminal risk factors, as well as supporting integrated programming for offenders with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. It is important to recognize gender differences in how much attention is given to trauma care. This study outlines the distinguishing features of trauma in males and in females. Suggestions are also offered for training staff in the nature and effects of trauma and effective ways of interacting with inmates in ways that facilitate trauma treatment rather than aggravate trauma-related problem behaviors. Although clinical staff may view prison as an unsafe environment for clinical work that addresses trauma, the potential benefits of implementing trauma-specific interventions may be substantial. Since childhood physical and sexual abuse is associated with both institutional difficulties and low program engagement, inmates may have difficulty benefiting from even the most effective cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation programming until the impact of childhood trauma is addressed. 66 references