GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Curricula: Cognitive-Behavioral, Trauma-Informed, and Mentorship Programs for Correctional Settings ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-03-23 16:29:59 EDT Research Date: 2026-03-23 Topic: Rehabilitation / Evidence-Based Correctional Programming JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/evidence-based-rehabilitation-curricula-cognitive-behavioral-trauma-informed-and-mentorship-programs-for-correctional-settings/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- This GPS research compilation identifies evidence-based curricula and frameworks for prison programming, focusing on cognitive behavioral interventions, mentor training, restorative justice, trauma-informed approaches, life skills, and correctional education. Key findings include that CBT programs reduce recidivism by 20-30%, correctional education participants have 43% lower odds of recidivating, and 75-90% of incarcerated people have experienced significant trauma. The document informs the design of the Forge Mentorship Development Program with specific curriculum structures, training hours, and cost considerations. STATISTICS (17) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] T4C Recidivism Reduction: 23% vs 36% A 2009 evaluation found that 23% of Thinking for a Change participants recidivated compared to 36% in the control group during a 6-month follow-up period — a statistically significant reduction. Value: 23.0 percent recidivism rate (vs. 36 control group recidivism rate) Date: 2009-01-01 Tags: programs,reentry,policy Sources: CrimeSolutions.ojp.gov - [confirmed] R&R Reduces Reoffending by Approximately 14% Meta-analyses indicate Reasoning and Rehabilitation reduces reoffending by approximately 14% compared to control groups, based on multiple international studies conducted in the UK, Spain, Australia, and Scandinavia. Value: 14.0 percent reduction in reoffending Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CrimeSolutions.ojp.gov - [reported] Center for Employment Opportunities: 52% Higher Employment at 12 Months The Center for Employment Opportunities reentry mentoring program showed 52% higher employment at 12 months for participants. Value: 52.0 percent higher employment at 12 months Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CrimeSolutions.ojp.gov - [reported] Restorative Justice Victim Satisfaction: 80-90% Victim satisfaction rates are 80-90% in restorative justice programs versus traditional court processes. Tags: programs,legal Sources: CrimeSolutions.ojp.gov - [reported] 75-90% of Incarcerated People Have Experienced Significant Trauma 75-90% of incarcerated people have experienced significant trauma. Correctional environments can be inherently re-traumatizing, and staff wellness and secondary traumatic stress must be addressed. Tags: mental_health,conditions,programs Sources: SAMHSA TIP 57 and Trauma-Informed Approach Resources - [reported] Vocational Training: 28% Higher Employment Odds Vocational training programs in prison settings are associated with 28% higher employment odds for participants. Value: 28.0 percent higher employment odds Tags: programs,reentry Sources: RAND Corporation — Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education (2013) - [reported] 27% Unemployment Among Formerly Incarcerated 27% unemployment rate among formerly incarcerated individuals, a key barrier to reentry. Value: 27.0 percent unemployment rate Tags: reentry,demographics Sources: Prison Policy Initiative - [reported] Homelessness Rate: ~5,700 per 100,000 Formerly Incarcerated Homelessness affects approximately 5,700 per 100,000 formerly incarcerated individuals. Value: 5700.0 per 100,000 formerly incarcerated Tags: reentry,conditions Sources: Prison Policy Initiative - [reported] 68% Re-arrested Within 3 Years; 46-49% Returned to Prison Within 5 Years 68% of formerly incarcerated individuals are re-arrested within 3 years, and 46-49% are returned to prison within 5 years. Value: 68.0 percent re-arrested within 3 years Tags: reentry,demographics Sources: Prison Policy Initiative - [confirmed] RAND: 43% Lower Odds of Recidivating for Correctional Education Participants The RAND Corporation's major 2013 study found correctional education participants had 43% lower odds of recidivating compared to non-participants. Value: 43.0 percent lower odds of recidivating Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: programs,reentry Sources: RAND Corporation — Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education (2013) - [confirmed] RAND: 13% Higher Odds of Obtaining Employment Post-Release Correctional education participants had 13% higher odds of obtaining employment post-release. Value: 13.0 percent higher odds of employment Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: programs,reentry Sources: RAND Corporation — Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education (2013) - [confirmed] RAND: $1 Spent on Correctional Education Saves $5 on Reincarceration The RAND Corporation found that every $1 spent on correctional education saves $5 on reincarceration costs. Value: 5.0 dollars saved per $1 spent (vs. 1 dollar spent on correctional education) Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: programs,budget,reentry Sources: RAND Corporation — Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education (2013) - [reported] Prison Bachelor's Degrees: 42% Higher Callback Odds vs GEDs A 2024 audit study found prison-earned bachelor's degrees showed 42% higher callback odds compared to GEDs. Value: 42.0 percent higher callback odds Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: programs,reentry Sources: RAND Corporation — Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education (2013) - [reported] Vera Institute: Expanding Postsecondary Education Would Save $365.8 Million Annually The Vera Institute of Justice estimated expanding postsecondary education in prisons would reduce costs by $365.8 million annually. Value: 365.8 million dollars in annual savings Tags: programs,budget,reentry Sources: Vera Institute of Justice - [confirmed] Vocational Education: 15.6% Decrease in Recidivism Odds Vocational education in correctional settings was associated with a 15.6% decrease in recidivism odds. Value: 15.6 percent decrease in recidivism odds Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: programs,reentry Sources: RAND Corporation — Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education (2013) - [reported] 73% of Formerly Incarcerated with GEDs Earned Them While Incarcerated 73% of formerly incarcerated people with GEDs earned them while incarcerated. Value: 73.0 percent earned GED while incarcerated Tags: programs,demographics Sources: RAND Corporation — Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education (2013) - [reported] 46-49% Returned to Prison Within 5 Years 46-49% of formerly incarcerated individuals are returned to prison within 5 years of release. Tags: reentry,demographics Sources: Prison Policy Initiative POLICYS (10) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] T4C Curriculum Structure: 25 Lessons Thinking for a Change consists of 25 lessons, each lasting 1-2 hours, delivered to small groups of 8-12 participants over a typical program length of 12-30 weeks depending on session frequency. A free scripted manual is available through NIC. Tags: programs,policy Sources: National Institute of Corrections - [confirmed] MRT 12-Step Structure and Open-Ended Format MRT is structured around 12 progressive steps that move participants through stages of moral reasoning. It uses an open-ended group format where participants enter at any time and progress at their own pace. Groups typically meet 1-2 times per week with typical completion time of 3-6 months. Tags: programs,policy Sources: Correctional Counseling, Inc. - [confirmed] MRT Facilitator Training: 32 Hours Required MRT requires a 4-day (32-hour) facilitator training. Only trained professionals are permitted to purchase MRT materials and run groups. Materials must be purchased through Correctional Counseling, Inc. or Eagle Wing Books, Inc. Tags: programs,policy,staffing Sources: Correctional Counseling, Inc. - [reported] Typical Peer Mentor Training: 40-80 Hours Typical initial peer mentor training in criminal justice settings totals 40-80 hours, covering active listening and communication skills (8-16 hours), motivational interviewing basics (8-12 hours), boundary setting and ethical conduct (4-8 hours), crisis recognition and referral protocols (4-8 hours), cultural competency and sensitivity (4-8 hours), understanding stages of change (4 hours), and confidentiality requirements (2-4 hours). Tags: programs,staffing,policy Sources: MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership - [reported] Recommended Forge Program Structure: 6-12 Months The recommended Forge Mentorship Development Program structure includes group sizes of 8-12 participants, 1.5-2 hour sessions, 2-3 times per week frequency, 6-12 months total program length, with ongoing weekly supervision and monthly support groups. Date: 2026-03-19 Tags: programs,policy Sources: GPS Forge Mentorship Development Program Research Compilation - [reported] Forge Recommended Five-Layer Curriculum Framework The recommended curriculum framework for Forge includes five layers: (1) Foundation Layer — CBT Skills (20-25 sessions), (2) Mentor Development Layer (40-80 hours initial training), (3) Trauma-Informed Layer (integrated throughout with 6-12 dedicated sessions), (4) Restorative Justice Layer (12-16 sessions), and (5) Life Skills Layer (12-20 sessions, modular). Date: 2026-03-19 Tags: programs,policy Sources: GPS Forge Mentorship Development Program Research Compilation - [confirmed] SAMHSA Six Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Care SAMHSA's six key principles of trauma-informed care are: (1) Safety, (2) Trustworthiness and Transparency, (3) Peer Support, (4) Collaboration and Mutuality, (5) Empowerment, Voice, and Choice, and (6) Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues. Tags: mental_health,programs,policy Sources: SAMHSA TIP 57 and Trauma-Informed Approach Resources - [confirmed] R&R Curriculum: 35 Sessions Across 9 Core Modules Reasoning and Rehabilitation consists of 35 structured sessions of approximately 2 hours each, delivered to groups of 6-8 participants over 8-12 weeks. It covers 9 core modules: Self-Control and Self-Management, Interpersonal Problem Solving, Social Perspective Taking, Critical Reasoning, Values Enhancement, Emotional Management, Creative Thinking, Social Skills, and Negotiation Skills. Tags: programs,policy Sources: CrimeSolutions.ojp.gov - [confirmed] R&R2 Revised to 16-Session Format R&R2 is a revised shorter 16-session format of Reasoning and Rehabilitation for broader implementation, incorporating updated neuroscience on executive functioning. Tags: programs,policy Sources: CrimeSolutions.ojp.gov - [confirmed] Elements of Effective Practice: 16 Elements Across Program Lifecycle MENTOR's Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring contains 16 elements addressing program design, implementation, and evaluation, covering youth and community values integration, inclusive and safe program environments, program design and evaluation strategies, mentor recruitment, screening, and selection, training requirements, matching, monitoring and supporting matches, and closure procedures. Tags: programs,policy Sources: MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership FINDINGS (11) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] MRT: Over 200 Published Outcome Studies Over 200 published outcome studies have documented that MRT-treated offenders show significantly lower recidivism for periods as long as 20 years. MRT is listed on SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP). Tags: programs,reentry,policy Sources: Correctional Counseling, Inc. - [confirmed] MRT Recidivism Reduction Sustained Up to 20 Years MRT-treated offenders show significantly lower recidivism for periods as long as 20 years according to over 200 published outcome studies. Tags: programs,reentry Sources: Correctional Counseling, Inc. - [confirmed] CBT Programs Reduce Recidivism by 20-30% Meta-analyses consistently show CBT programs reduce recidivism by 20-30% compared to control conditions. Research confirms that people participating in treatment combinations consisting of basic skills, vocational training, and cognitive behavioral treatment were more likely to reduce post-release reconvictions. Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CrimeSolutions.ojp.gov - [reported] CALPIA: Significantly Less Likely to Be Arrested Post-Release CALPIA participants were significantly less likely to be arrested at 1, 2, and 3 years post-release. Tags: programs,reentry Sources: CrimeSolutions.ojp.gov - [confirmed] RJ Programs Reduce Recidivism with Stronger Effects for Violent Offenses Meta-analyses indicate restorative justice programs reduce recidivism, with stronger effects for violent offenses. RJ programs also show higher compliance with agreements than court-ordered restitution. Tags: programs,reentry,violence Sources: CrimeSolutions.ojp.gov - [confirmed] Seeking Safety: Over 40 Published Outcome Studies Seeking Safety, a present-focused treatment for co-occurring trauma/PTSD and substance abuse developed by Lisa Najavits, has over 40 published outcome studies. It contains 25 topics organized in four content areas: Cognitive (10), Behavioral (7), Interpersonal (4), Combination (4). It can be delivered by paraprofessionals and does not require clients to discuss specific trauma details. Tags: mental_health,drugs,programs Sources: SAMHSA TIP 57 and Trauma-Informed Approach Resources - [reported] Poverty Is Strongest Predictor of Recidivism Poverty is the strongest predictor of recidivism among formerly incarcerated individuals. Tags: reentry,demographics Sources: Prison Policy Initiative - [confirmed] Certainty of Being Caught More Powerful Than Punishment Severity NIJ research shows certainty of being caught is more powerful than punishment severity as a deterrent. Prisons may exacerbate recidivism through criminal network exposure. Individuals naturally reduce criminal activity around age 35. Tags: policy,reentry Sources: National Institute of Justice - [confirmed] RNR Principle: Target Higher-Risk Individuals The Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) framework, a cornerstone of evidence-based corrections, holds that services should target higher-risk individuals, address criminogenic needs, and match intervention style to individual learning styles. Low-risk individuals may actually be harmed by intensive programming. Tags: programs,policy Sources: National Institute of Corrections - [confirmed] Poorly Implemented Mentoring Can Be Harmful MENTOR's Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring emphasizes that poorly implemented mentoring can be harmful, underscoring the need for rigorous program design, screening, training, and monitoring. Tags: programs,policy Sources: MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership - [confirmed] Natural Desistance from Crime Around Age 35 NIJ research indicates that individuals naturally reduce criminal activity around age 35, a phenomenon known as age-crime desistance. Tags: demographics,reentry Sources: National Institute of Justice TRENDS (1) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] College Programs in Prisons Dropped from ~350 to ~12 After 1994 Crime Bill Approximately 350 college programs existed in prisons in the early 1990s. This dropped to approximately 12 by 2005 after the 1994 crime bill eliminated Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals. Tags: programs,policy,legal Sources: RAND Corporation — Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education (2013) DATASETS (2) ---------------------------------------- # Free/Low-Cost Evidence-Based Program Resources Listing of available evidence-based correctional programming resources and their associated costs Resource Cost ----------------------------------------------------------------- Thinking for a Change (T4C) Free (NIC) T4C facilitator training Free (NIC) SAMHSA TIP 57 Free SAMHSA Trauma-Informed Approach Free Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring Free CrimeSolutions reviews Free AVP materials Low cost Seeking Safety manual Purchase required MRT materials Purchase required # Peer Mentor Training Components and Hours Typical training components and associated hours for peer mentor training in criminal justice settings Training Component Hours (Range) ---------------------------------------------------------- Active listening and communication skills 8-16 Motivational interviewing basics 8-12 Boundary setting and ethical conduct 4-8 Crisis recognition and referral protocols 4-8 Cultural competency and sensitivity 4-8 Understanding stages of change 4 Confidentiality requirements 2-4 Total initial training 40-80 KEY ENTITIES (31) ---------------------------------------- - Alternatives to Violence Project [program]: Volunteer-led restorative justice program operating in 30+ states and internationally (aka: AVP) - CALPIA [program]: Prison program whose participants were significantly less likely to be arrested at 1, 2, and 3 years post-release - Center for Employment Opportunities [organization]: Multi-site reentry program showing 52% higher employment at 12 months for participants (aka: CEO) - Correctional Counseling, Inc. [organization]: Organization that developed and distributes Moral Reconation Therapy, founded by Gregory Little and Kenneth Robinson - Council of State Governments Justice Center [organization]: Organization that documented Georgia's justice reinvestment approach under Governor Deal (aka: CSG Justice Center) - Elizabeth Fabiano [person]: Co-developer of Reasoning and Rehabilitation (1985) in Canada - Equal Justice USA [organization]: Organization that absorbed the Impact Justice Restorative Justice Project - Federal Bureau of Prisons [organization]: Federal agency responsible for operating federal prisons in the United States. (aka: BOP, Federal BOP) - Forge Mentorship Development Program [program]: Prison-based mentorship development program being designed by GPS using evidence-based curricula and frameworks (aka: Forge) - Gregory Little [person]: Co-developer of Moral Reconation Therapy (1985), co-founder of Correctional Counseling, Inc. - Impact Justice Restorative Justice Project [program]: Restorative justice project that transitioned to Equal Justice USA - Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program [program]: University/incarcerated student dialogue program for reentry mentoring (aka: Inside-Out) - Insight Prison Project [program]: Victim-offender education group program based at San Quentin prison - Kenneth Robinson [person]: Co-developer of Moral Reconation Therapy (1985), co-founder of Correctional Counseling, Inc. - Lawrence Kohlberg [person]: Psychologist whose theory of moral development stages forms the theoretical foundation of MRT - Lisa Najavits [person]: Developer of Seeking Safety, a treatment program for co-occurring trauma/PTSD and substance abuse (aka: Lisa Najavits, Ph.D.) - MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership [organization]: National organization publishing the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring, now in its 5th edition with over 35 years of development (aka: MENTOR) - Moral Reconation Therapy [program]: Cognitive-behavioral treatment system focused on enhancing moral reasoning through 12 progressive steps, developed by Gregory Little and Kenneth Robinson in 1985 (aka: MRT) - National Institute of Corrections [organization]: Federal agency that provides classification resources and standards; states the primary goal of classification is managing inmate risk and ensuring safety. (aka: NIC) - National Institute of Justice [organization]: DOJ research agency that commissioned studies on deaths in custody to meet DCRA 2013 requirements. (aka: NIJ) - Prison Policy Initiative [organization]: Research and advocacy organization focused on prison conditions; published Cut-rate Care and Chronic Punishment reports (aka: PPI) - RAND Corporation [organization]: Research organization that conducted the correctional education meta-analysis (2013) and evaluated Oregon's Measure 11. (aka: RAND) - Ready4Work [program]: Multi-site reentry mentoring program - Reasoning and Rehabilitation [program]: 35-session cognitive behavioral program developed by Robert Ross and Elizabeth Fabiano in 1985 in Canada, with a revised 16-session R&R2 version (aka: R&R, R&R2) - Resolve to Stop the Violence Project [program]: Restorative justice program at San Francisco County Jail showing significant reductions in violent incidents (aka: RSVP) - Robert Ross [person]: Co-developer of Reasoning and Rehabilitation (1985) in Canada - Seeking Safety [program]: Present-focused treatment program for co-occurring trauma/PTSD and substance abuse developed by Lisa Najavits, Ph.D., with 25 topics in four content areas - Stephanie Covington [person]: Developer of trauma-informed curricula for incarcerated women including Beyond Violence, Healing Trauma, and Beyond Trauma (aka: Covington) - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [organization]: Federal agency operating Adult Reentry Program Grants and other substance use treatment funding streams (aka: SAMHSA) - Thinking for a Change [program]: Cognitive behavioral intervention developed by NIC with 25 lessons covering cognitive self-change, social skills development, and problem-solving skills (aka: T4C) - Vera Institute of Justice [organization]: Research organization focused on criminal justice; published Health Care Behind Bars report (2025) (aka: Vera Institute, Vera) SOURCES (13) ---------------------------------------- - Correctional Counseling, Inc., Correctional Counseling, Inc. by Gregory Little, Kenneth Robinson (1985-01-01) [official_report, primary] - CrimeSolutions.ojp.gov, Office of Justice Programs [data_portal, primary] URL: https://crimesolutions.ojp.gov - CSG Justice Center, Council of State Governments Justice Center [official_report, secondary] - Federal Bureau of Prisons, Federal Bureau of Prisons [official_report, primary] - GPS Forge Mentorship Development Program Research Compilation, Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-03-19) [gps_original, tertiary] - Inside-Out Center, Inside-Out Center [official_report, primary] - MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership [official_report, primary] - National Institute of Corrections, National Institute of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice [official_report, primary] - National Institute of Justice, National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice [official_report, primary] - Prison Policy Initiative, Prison Policy Initiative [official_report, secondary] - RAND Corporation — Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education (2013), RAND Corporation (2013-01-01) [academic, primary] - SAMHSA TIP 57 and Trauma-Informed Approach Resources, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [official_report, primary] - Vera Institute of Justice, Vera Institute of Justice [official_report, secondary]