Kennedy Tooke

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Nicole Harris

Abstract

Title: Real Individuals Striving for Excellence (RISE): An occupational therapy based re-entry program for a rural jail facility.

Introduction: The United States criminal justice system continues to be known for currently holding over 2 million people within state, federal, local, and juvenile correctional facilities (prisonpolicy.org, 2021). Jail incarceration rates have increased 15% from 2020 to 2021 following a 26% decline from midyear 2019 (Zeng, 2022). Many individuals involved in the criminal justice system will be arrested again within the same year due to unsuccessful transitions back into the community. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a program aimed at reducing recidivism rates among individuals incarcerated in rural correctional facilities.

Method: A needs assessment was conducted through a comprehensive literature review in order to identify the facility and individual needs of the targeted population. The development of this program was guided by the Model of Human Occupation [MOHO] (O’Brien, 2017). While the role of occupational therapy (OT) in this context is still emerging, literature supports the unique scope of OT practice as beneficial for this population. The overarching goal of OT in this setting is to create a holistic, client-centered, occupation-based program that assists individuals with a history in the criminal justice system through enhancing essential skills for success in community reintegration.

Results: It is anticipated that this program will support individuals involved with the criminal justice system to gain skills needed to be successful during their transition from incarceration to community and reengage in healthy meaningful occupations.

Download

Share

COinS