Programs supporting incarcerated and previously incarcerated indigenous peoples: a scoping review protocol.

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health
• Criminology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Overincarceration of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the US significantly impacts individual and community well-being.
• Culturally informed programs, such as Canada's Healing Lodges, offer vital support for Indigenous individuals during and after incarceration.
• A synthesis of existing research on these culturally specific programs is needed to inform future development and implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review to identify and synthesize research on culturally informed programs and services for incarcerated and previously incarcerated Indigenous peoples.
• To specifically focus on programs guided by Indigenous ways of being and knowing.
• To inform the development of effective programs that address the unique needs of Indigenous communities.

Main Methods:

• The review protocol follows established guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews.
• A comprehensive search strategy will be employed to identify relevant studies.
• Studies will be selected based on their focus on culturally informed programs for Indigenous peoples in the Canadian and US contexts.

Main Results:

• This section will present the findings of the scoping review, detailing the types of culturally informed programs and services identified.
• The review will map the existing research landscape concerning these programs.
• Results will highlight gaps in the current knowledge base.

Conclusions:

• The findings will support the development of culturally safe and effective programs for Indigenous peoples affected by the justice system.
• This review will contribute to a better understanding of how Indigenous knowledge systems can be integrated into correctional and reintegration services.
• The synthesized research will aid community partners and policymakers in addressing the diverse needs of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Indigenous peoples.