Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Rhonda Roed

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals transitioning back into the community following incarceration need holistic care to support a successful reintegration process (National Institute of Justice [NIJ], 2023). There are a variety of supports and barriers to successful reintegration that should be considered when guiding programming for this population, as these individuals often face many challenges when transitioning back into the community (Galletta et al., 2021). Specific supports facilitating successful transitions back into the community includes those of basic or daily needs, often related to housing, employment, transportation, social supports, food security, and access to mental and physical health services (Galletta et al., 2021; Nishar et al., 2023). Occupational therapists (OTs) have knowledge and a unique set of skills to address these areas. Within the reentry process, OTs can focus on helping individuals build the skills, routines, and supports needed for independence within their daily lives, leading to a positive and successful reintegration.

Methodology: An extensive literature was conducted to support the development of this product. Relevant resources reviewed were related to community reentry, formerly incarcerated individuals, the specific target populations’ challenges with mental health and substance use, and occupational therapy’s role within these areas. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) was also used to understand the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals who face various barriers in the literature and to ultimately guide development of this scholarly project (O’Brien, 2017). Lastly, an onsite needs assessment was conducted through observation, interactions, and communication with participants of a community-based reentry program.

Results: As a result of this scholarly project, The Daily Living Skills Manual was created. The Daily Living Skills Manual was created to help guide a successful reentry back into the community following incarceration. It includes seven separate modules framed by areas of occupation in order to create the product through an occupational therapy lens. Each module includes areas within occupations that were commonly identified by formerly incarcerated participants in a community-based program that often raise barriers to successful reentry. Basic education on daily life skills is provided, along with education, opportunities to practice newly taught skills are provided.

Conclusion: It is anticipated that The Daily Living Skills Manual will help formerly incarcerated individuals develop important daily skills needed for successful reintegration back into the community. The selected content trialed with participants was perceived positively and was said to positively impact their reentry journey. It is also hoped that The Daily Living Skills Manual will highlight the meaningful and practical role occupational therapists can have in supporting successful community reintegration following incarceration.

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