Assessing the Risk, Addressing the Need: A Mixed Method Approach to Designing a Strengths-Based, Post-incarceration, Correctional Assessment for Women

<p>Women are the fastest-growing segment of the incarcerated population, steadily increasing since 1985 (ACLU, n.d.). More than one million women are behind bars or have some involvement with the criminal justice system. The rapid growth of incarceration among women has led scholars and researchers to address the growing needs and risk levels that lead to increased recidivism rates. The creation of assessment tools specifically focused on female populations began in 1999. However, before this time, instruments were historically designed for men within the criminal justice system, and addendums were added to these tools to be used with female populations (Voorhis et al., 2007). </p> <p>Based on findings from prior research and existing literature, the current study details the design of the <em>Women’s Assets and Risks Matter</em> (WARM) Assessment Tool using an exploratory sequential mixed method approach rooted in community psychology values that: 1) Effectively assesses post-release risk levels to identify needs and link individuals to appropriate services as part of reentry and supervision plans, 2) Produce outcomes that target the unique needs of women post-release, 3) Is designed with the input of formerly incarcerated women to improve the quality and ensure a more ethical process for design and 4) Focus on individual and community assets to ensure success as defined by the individual and contribute to lower recidivism outcomes.</p> <p>The WARM assessment tool was designed to aid in successful outcomes for women-post release and consider their unique needs by involving them in creating an RNA tool. Future tools should be designed in collaboration with communities and key stakeholders to encourage better post-release outcomes.<strong></strong></p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - Public Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Community Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2023

Author dc:creator

• Johnson, Rashonda

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Bradley Olson
• Dr. Judah Viola
• Dr. Tiffeny Jimenez

• criminal justice
• women
• risk assessment
• needs assessment
• Social Justice
• Social Work

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/756

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.nl.edu:diss-1810