Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Anne Haskins

Abstract

Introduction: The U.S has one of the highest populations of incarcerated individuals in the world and must shift from the use of punishment to rehabilitation for these individuals (Huynh et al., 2015; Muñoz, 2019; Phelps & Aldrich, 2022). While in prison, these individuals are limited in their ability to participate in meaningful activities and lose skills needed to function in society (Lares & Montgomery, 2020). Occupational therapy assists individuals of a variety of populations engage in activities that are meaningful to them. The set of skills that occupational therapy has to offer results in a broad area of settings that could benefit from their services. One population that is often overlooked are adults who are in custody. Occupational therapists have skills to assist individuals to find ways to allow them to participate in things that are meaningful (Falardeau et al., 2015; Phelps & Aldrich, 2022; Watson et al., 2022).

Methodology: A literature review was conducted prior to beginning onsite experience on topics related to rehabilitation needs with adults in custody, occupational participation, evidenced- based practice in a prison setting, and the impact occupational therapy can have on meeting the population’s needs. The Ecology of Human Performance model was used to gain a holistic view and ensured the core concepts of occupational therapy were applied and embedded throughout this scholarly project. An onsite needs assessment was conducted through observation and conversation with residents, staff, and community members. The evidence was used to create a product to address the needs of the target population.

Results: This scholarly project resulted in the creation of four educational sessions on four topics (coping skills, communication, money management, and technology) that built upon the resources available within the site. It addressed different topics related to community living to support the process of reintegration for adults in custody. Each session includes slides, openended questions to prompt group discussions, and activities to apply concepts. This product addresses the needs of the population and supports the scope of OT practice within the prison setting. The project gave individuals the opportunity to learn new skills or build existing skills to reintegrate into society.

Conclusion and Significance: The product was positively received by stakeholders within the agency, including residents who attended the sessions, and met its intended outcome which was to enable learning that built or expanded on knowledge and skills to function in society. With a shift to a more rehabilitative environment within the state of North Dakota, this course has filled some of the gaps within the resources that are provided to guide individuals in their reintegration process.

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