Examining the Intersection of Risk, Trauma, Health, and Perceptions of Trauma-Informed Care in Community Corrections

• In Event: Risk Assessment: Tools, Models, and Implementation

Abstract

Justice involved individuals experience interpersonal trauma at significantly higher rates than the general population. Elevated rates of interpersonal trauma have been documented in both males and females involved in the justice system and have been associated with greater risk for a variety of poor health and legal outcomes. In addition, research has demonstrated an inverse relationship between complex PTSD symptomology and treatment retention and treatment outcomes for substance abusing clients. Finally, involvement in the criminal justice system can further exacerbate pre-existing trauma. Because of the varied and complex ways that prior trauma can impact the successful outcomes of correctional treatment clients, this study utilized a cross-sectional design of 400 halfway house clients to test the relationships between previous trauma, current substance use and mental health disorders, criminogenic risk, health status, and program retention and completion. This study also assesses the degree to which prior trauma impacts client perceptions of environmental characteristics important to trauma-informed care. Results and implications will be presented.

Authors

• Kimberly Sperber, Talbert House

• Amber Nicole Manzo, University of Cincinnati

• Aaron Vissman, Talbert House