Reducing Recidivism After Traumatic Brain Injury: Results From the Re-entry Continuum for Brain Injury (RCBI) Trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Forensic Psychology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is prevalent in incarcerated populations.
• Individuals with TBI face high rates of recidivism and challenges in community reintegration.
• Existing interventions often do not adequately address the complex needs of TBI survivors post-release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Reentry Continuum for Brain Injury (RCBI) intervention.
• To assess RCBI's impact on recidivism rates up to three years post-release.
• To examine RCBI's effects on incarcerated individuals' behavioral infractions, self-efficacy, aggression, negative attributions, and executive functioning.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared RCBI to treatment as usual (TAU).
• Participants (n=91 males with TBI) were assessed pre-release, near release, and at 1, 2, and 3 years post-release.
• Intervention included in-prison coping skills training and post-release resource facilitation.

Main Results:

• RCBI significantly reduced recidivism: lower rates of reincarceration (17% vs. 46%), arrests (43% vs. 86%), and criminal charges (42% vs. 79%) compared to TAU.
• RCBI participants showed fewer behavioral infractions while incarcerated post-intervention.
• Improved outcomes in self-efficacy (BICS-Q) and executive functioning (BRIEF-A) were observed in the RCBI group, with no significant changes in aggression (AQ, AIHQ).

Conclusions:

• The RCBI intervention is effective in improving community re-integration for individuals with TBI released from prison.
• Addressing TBI-related challenges is crucial for reducing recidivism in the justice-involved population.
• RCBI demonstrates a promising model for supporting TBI survivors transitioning from incarceration to the community.