A Community-Engagement Strategy for Harm Recovery in Correctional Settings

Abstract

AbstractCorrectional settings are analogous to neighborhoods. Neighborhood conditions are improved through community-development (capacity-expanding) efforts. The community-engagement approach offered in Chapter 8 aims to change the mix of healing and harm inside prison. The approach described is resident-centric and works with residents to create and sustain a neighborhood where residents and staff work together to reduce harm and to increase healing. Two case studies describe how community engagement could be used to transform the social environment of prisons and create a service delivery system with best value. Growing harm-informed and sensitive environments to support harm-recovery programs is feasible inside prisons if the environment is imbued with values, partnerships, and resources that socialize and support healing, recovery, and rehabilitation. Community empowerment is a way to build the capacity of prison communities to change their conditions and cultures toward healing and away from harm.