Evidence-based correctional research shows there are five dimensions of effective correctional treatment, all of which GEO Reentry Services incorporates in its programming to enhance outcomes for participants.
The effective dimensions are: an effective use of authority, modeling and reinforcing pro-social attitudes, teaching problem-solving skills, advocating for community resources and fostering relationships that are respectful, empathetic and solutions-focused. Together, these factors help build a positive structure that empowers participants to become successful members of their communities.
First, the effective use of authority means that participants are approached in a firm but fair way, and all rules are made clear, visible and understandable. It also means participants are provided choices with consequences, guiding participants toward compliance and encouraging compliance through positive reinforcement. In addition, all messages are conveyed in a normal voice and are focused on behavior rather than the person. These guidelines foster authoritative relationships built around trust and support.
The second dimension, modeling and reinforcing pro-social attitudes, means setting a positive example for participants to follow. Authority figures must model and rehearse pro-social behavior in concrete and vivid ways, and help participants to role-play in increasingly difficult scenarios. It also means encouraging participants to think about why certain behavior is desirable and using positive and negative reinforcement to offer immediate feedback on why behaviors are approved or disapproved. By modeling and reinforcing pro-social attitudes, we help participants gain control over challenging situations and positively shape their own behavior.
Third, teaching concrete problem-solving skills, incorporates two main components. The first is to engage offenders in activities that increase satisfaction and rewards for non-criminal pursuits. Our program managers regularly organize fun, positive activities for our participants, and our centers encourage productivity by connecting participants with job training, apprenticeship and volunteer opportunities. The second component of teaching concrete problem-solving skills is to help offenders develop a plan, clarify goals, generate options and alternatives and evaluate those options. In our programs, participants are matched with a case manager who works with them on a regular basis to assist in tracking and evaluating their progress, and in offering guidance as they plan for the future. Additionally, participants role-play in increasingly difficult scenarios to develop their problem-solving skills in a wide range of situations. By teaching concrete problem-solving skills, we help participants learn how to live productively, without turning to criminal behavior as a coping mechanism.
There are also two primary components to the fourth dimension, advocacy and brokerage of community resources. The first is to arrange the most appropriate pro-social support service(s) for each participant. This means conducting a comprehensive assessment of his or her needs and arranging pro-social support services that address those needs. The second component of advocacy/brokerage of community resources is to advocate for participants in the appropriate contexts, which may mean speaking on behalf of the participant at home, school, work or elsewhere. An example of advocacy in our program would be referring participants as potential employees to employers we have connections with. In doing this, we are acting as a professional reference for our participants as they work to secure employment. By advocating on behalf of our participants, as well as brokering the appropriate services for them, we help participants obtain the resources they need to reenter their communities and lead positive, productive lives.
Finally, fostering respectful relationship factors, the fifth and final dimension, means that communications between staff and participants are built on open, warm, genuine and enthusiastic dialogue that is grounded in mutual respect. Staff are trained to be flexible and encourage self-confidence in participants. They refrain from placing blame so that participants are comfortable and develop trust, while they also hold participants highly accountable for their actions and choices. Accountability is a cornerstone of our program, but it is applied within a safe, respectful environment, which in turn, encourages successful participation. These relationship factors are evident throughout our core programming, including in cognitive behavioral treatment, group meetings and one-on-one case management.
GEO Reentry applies these dimensions across all reentry programming including nonresidential reentry and residential reentry programming and in-prison or in-jail treatment programs.