A Port In The Storm: Creative Writing As An Expressive Outlet For Incarcerated Girls

• In Event: 477 - Section on Crime, Law, and Deviance Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 02. Punishment and Incarceration 2

Abstract

The majority of girls in correctional or detention facilities in Hawaii are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and incarcerated for status offenses such as running away. Programs for these youth are limited yet much needed. 'Opio Haku Mo'olelo (OHM) is a creative literacy program that provides weekly writing workshops for incarcerated girls at both Kapolei Detention Center (KDC) and Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility (HYCF). My ongoing exploratory and qualitative study examines the identity constructions and transformations of girls incarcerated at both HYCF and KDC on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, who voluntarily participate in the OHM creative writing workshops.
Girls are responsive to gender and culturally specific curriculum utilized in the writing workshops. The gender and culturally specific curriculum provides girls with a safe and non-judgmental space within the confines of the correctional or detention facility to freely express themselves, critically analyze power dynamics and oppression, and gain a better sense of self and their place in the world. Facility administrators report witnessing paradigm shifts with staff as a punitive mindset is transforming into one of empathy and concern for the youth. OHM, in addition to institutional corrective action plans, has contributed to institutional change within the facility, as well as positive transformations and empowerment among the youth.

Author

• Sanna King, University of Hawaii-Manoa