The Impact of the Carceral State on Correctional Therapeutic Programming

• In Event: Theorizing Punishment: Treatment, Risk, and the Carceral State (Organized by Division on Corrections and Sentencing)

Abstract

The imprint of the carceral state, including mass incarceration policies, on correctional therapeutic programming requires examination. With dwindling correctional programming over the last three decades, a renewed focus on evidence-based treatments signals the importance of providing therapeutic interventions for addressing criminogenic needs. This mixed methods study examines issues related to the content of therapeutic programming across justice settings. Using program self-assessment data from 40 programs within the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) Simulation Tool (Assess a Program), we examine program emphasis on controlling, managing and modifying client behaviors in therapeutic environments to understand how programs integrate controls into these therapeutic environments. We combine the program self-assessment data with content analysis of four widely used evidence-based curriculums (Seeking Safety, Thinking for a Change (T4C), A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach: Treating Cocaine Addiction, and Criminal Conduct and Substance Abuse Treatment: Strategies for Self-Improvement and Change) to assess controls including: 1) how programs label clients, and 2) whether curriculums include various forms of “othering.” In addition, we examine the curriculums for content relevant to risk management, needs assessment, motivation, thinking, and normative behaviors. This paper considers whether the carceral state affects the nature and type of therapeutic programming offered and ultimately, whether the integrity of a clinical program is sustainable in this setting.

Authors

• Catherine Salzinger, George Mason University

• Michael Caudy, George Mason University

• Danielle Rudes, George Mason University

• Faye Taxman, George Mason University