Date Completed
Winter 3-16-2025
Document Type
Masters Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Department
Social Work
Abstract
In the United States, the incarceration rate is reported to have increased by 700%, with the incarceration rate reportedly being sevenfold higher than in any other developed Western country (Ferguson et al., 2016). Incarceration disproportionately affects people of color living in low-income and poverty-stricken communities. There is a higher prevalence of mental illness taking place in prisons versus non-incarcerated settings; incarcerated individuals are not receiving adequate mental health services, leading to recidivism. People of color with substance use disorder and mental illness are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, with 16 percent of men and 31 percent of women in jails and prisons having a mental illness, compared to 5 percent of the general population (Cloud et al., 2014). As we examine the causes and consequences of rising recidivism rates, we aim to increase awareness of inadequate mental health services in both community and carceral settings. To reduce recidivism, increase access and utilization of mental health services, and increase successful reintegration into society for released inmates, we have developed a pilot intervention aimed at engaging the correctional staff in prisons and jails. The long-term goal of this pilot program is to create a holistic support program that trains correctional staff in empathetic and trauma-informed approaches to engage incarcerated individuals to bridge a connection between prison and communities, resulting in a reduction in recidivism rates. This program will shift the prison culture starting with the staff in these facilities.
Recommended Citation
Abdullahi, Nimo A. and Tafeaga, Deborah, "Bridging the Gap: Developing Trauma Informed Training for Correctional Staff to Support Successful Reintegration and Reduce Recidivism" (2025). MSW Capstones. 50.
https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/msw_capstones/50