Correctional services are increasingly incorporating strength-based practices in risk/needs assessment and case management of justice-involved individuals; however, it is not always clear how to conceptualize strength, or how to use a justice-involved individual’s strengths to build rapport. The question then is, “How can we build on strengths in treatment planning?” In...
In correctional facilities, user-friendly software design is a necessity. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring that staff and justice-involved individuals can effectively use the technology, enhancing overall efficiency and promoting inclusivity. This article explores the importance of creating interfaces that are easy to navigate and the role of accessibility guidelines...
Justice-involved women face unique challenges that extend beyond the general difficulties of imprisonment. Many women are primary caregivers to children, grappling with the emotional toll of separation from their families. Additionally, justice-involved women often have higher rates of past trauma, including domestic violence and sexual abuse, which can complicate their...
The insights presented in this blog are based on current published research. MHS disclaims the use and application of the TRAP-18 other than by qualified professionals and as intended. Further research is required to fully validate these initial research findings. Since the early 1990’s, law enforcement agencies have faced significant challenges...
In the evolving landscape of criminology, the concept of desistance—the process by which individuals cease and abstain from criminal behavior—is gaining prominence. Public safety organizations are shifting from a predominant focus on factors that increase risk to a focus on factors that also reduce risk. This shift recognizes the complexities...
There has been a paradigm shift towards a person-centric approach to rehabilitating and reintegrating individuals within correctional facilities and probation. This approach focuses on recognizing the intrinsic value of every individual involved in the criminal justice process. The foundation of this perspective lies in acknowledging a person’s dignity and potential...
Key takeaways: The CAFAS and PECFAS are vital tools for mental health professionals to assess youth functioning, strengths, and goals, aiding in treatment planning and outcome evaluation across various domains. Developed by Dr. Kay Hodges, these assessments streamline decision-making processes by informing treatment type and intensity, level of care,...
The escalating issue of mental health challenges among correctional staff has become a pressing concern within the criminal justice system. As custodians of order and safety in correctional facilities, these professionals deal with an array of stressors, from the ever-present potential for violence to the emotional toll of managing justice-involved...
The evaluation of psychopathy has a rich and extensive history. Beginning with the initial reflections of trailblazing psychologists and psychiatrists, extending to Cleckley’s (1976) formulation of 16 diagnostic criteria for identifying psychopathy. No more is this history prevalent than in the work of Robert D. Hare, the author of
Diversion helps youth who have offended as it offers tailored interventions for their needs, counters adverse effects of formal processing, and promotes rehabilitation over punishment. In this blog we explore diverse diversion strategies, how these strategies balance rehabilitation and accountability, and the importance of fair decision-making for positive individual and...
