Correcting Treatment in Corrections

Are security policies and procedures supporting a treatment environment? Are treatment cultures threatening the safety and security of correctional facilities? It is time to seriously debate and challenge our current process of ensuring community safety while at the same time addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior. Over the last 40 years, incarceration rates in the United States have almost doubled as a result of our justice system and its guidelines. Researched-based studies show a large population of incarcerated people have underlining trauma related to addiction and criminal behavior. In this book, the authors share their experience in implementing a trauma-informed treatment program within a correctional facility. The journey is filled with heavy debates, extreme stress, hilarious happenings, and giant psychological and philosophical challenges. The reader will be a 'fly on the wall' as the trauma therapist and department of corrections lieutenant battle through their conflicting priorities. The reader will follow the many debates between the elements of treatment and security. This eavesdropping dialog provides the reader the opportunity to come to their own conclusion as to how to best implement a trauma treatment program inside a correctional setting. The style of writing is exceptionally useful to the undergraduate's ability to apply deep introspection in their upcoming career in any field dealing with human behavior but particularly in criminology and social work.

The Montana Department of Corrections recognized research-based studies showing a large population of incarcerated people have underlining trauma related to addiction and criminal behavior. In the effort to address the overcrowding penal system and reduce recidivism, the department transitioned the Riverside Youth Correctional facility in Boulder Montana to house an adult female population. The newly named, Riverside Recovery and Reentry Program was a pilot program focused on implementing a trauma-informed and trauma-responsive treatment agenda inside the walls of the prison. All the officers from the youth program would remain at the facility and transition to the new trauma program. The department hired one new member to the Riverside team. Rhonda Champagne, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Ms. Champagne accepted the position as the trauma therapist. She would assist the development of a trauma treatment agenda and help lead the team in the development of a trauma-informed and trauma-responsive treatment facility. A simple task with her credentials and extensive experience. There was only one thing standing in the way. The policies and procedures developed to uphold a safe and secure environment were often counterproductive to supporting a treatment environment. It did not take long before the therapist was able to put a face to these policies and procedures. Lieutenant Michael Johnson became that 'face' as the housing unit manager. Coming from totally different perspectives the lieutenant and the therapist battled to work together to implement a trauma informed treatment program inside the walls of a correctional facility. As they argued through their conflicting perspectives, they soon learned they had something in common, which would prove to be the joining factor. Despite their differences they both wanted the women in their treatment program to overcome trauma, addiction and criminal behaviors while maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout the process. The reader will follow the therapist and lieutenant, as if a fly on the wall, during the many debates between the elements of treatment and security. This eavesdropping on dialog provides the reader to come to their own conclusion as to the best way to implement a trauma treatment program inside a correctional setting. This style of writing is exceptionally useful to the undergraduate's ability to apply deep introspection in their upcoming career in any field dealing with human behavior but particularly in criminology and social work.

Rhonda Champagne is a licensed clinical social worker, a therapist. She graduated with a master's degree from Walla Walla University. She currently holds a private practice providing individual therapy. She worked most of her college and post-college career in a community mental health center where she wore many hats and eventually became the director. She has worked with people heading to prison and coming from prison. She has testified against them and on their behalf.