Family-Centered Support for Women Prisoners to Reduce Recidivism Risk: The 'Strengthening Connections' Service

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Psychology
• Social Work

Background:

• Safe and supportive relationships are crucial for women post-release from custodial systems.
• Recidivism risk for incarcerated women is linked to relational deficits.
• Existing services may not adequately address the relational needs of women in prison.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and delivery of the 'Strengthening Connections' in-prison family therapy service.
• To evaluate a stepped-care model for supporting women's relational health and reducing recidivism risk.
• To outline a trauma-informed, culturally safe approach to family therapy in a correctional setting.

Main Methods:

• Piloted a stepped-care model with three service levels: group sessions, single-session family therapy, and systemic family therapy.
• Developed trauma-informed and culturally safe practices and evidence-enriched resources.
• Utilized continuous improvement based on clinical consultations and process evaluation over a three-year pilot.

Main Results:

• The 'Strengthening Connections' service was developed and delivered to women in prison.
• A stepped-care model was implemented to address women's relational health.
• The service incorporated trauma-informed and culturally safe practices.

Conclusions:

• In-prison family therapy can support women in strengthening relationships crucial for post-release success.
• A stepped-care model offers a flexible approach to addressing relational needs within the prison system.
• The 'Strengthening Connections' model shows potential for broader application in reducing recidivism risk for incarcerated women.