NCJ Number
233259
Date Published
2011
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This guide presents the principles of a strength-based, family-focused approach in corrections practices, policy, and reentry planning.
Abstract
A strength-based, family-focused approach in correctional settings involves the identification and development of offenders' social and family networks, which can provide offender motivation and direction for treatment efforts in correctional institutions and in the community. Supportive social networks can include friends, significant others, clergy, coworkers, and others who have a positive connection with the offender. Correctional personnel can identify the individuals and organizations that can help offenders address the challenges in their lives. They can then assist incarcerated individuals tap into these resources in building and reinforcing positive social skills and interactions with positive role models. This guide discusses how this strength-based family-focused approach can be implemented at intake, continue to release, and be incorporated in reentry and release planning. Attention is given to intake and needs/risk assessment, correctional programming, and visitation. This guide also contains answers to questions frequently asked by corrections personnel as they attempt to understand and implement this strength-based, family-focused approach in corrections. The following questions are among those addressed: "What if a person's family is a source of stress and not support?" "Working with families would be like doubling my caseload. How can I take this on?" and "Most families have their own problems. How are they supposed to help?" 14 notes