Rehabilitation / Evidence-Based Correctional Programming
Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Curricula: Cognitive-Behavioral, Trauma-Informed, and Mentorship Programs for Correctional Settings
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.
Pre-written explainers based on this research
All Data Points
39 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
T4C Recidivism Reduction: 23% vs 36% Statistic
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.
23% vs. control group recidivism rate
T4C Curriculum Structure: 25 Lessons Policy
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.
MRT: Over 200 Published Outcome Studies Finding
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).
MRT Recidivism Reduction Sustained Up to 20 Years Finding
MRT-treated offenders show significantly lower recidivism for periods as long as 20 years according to over 200 published outcome studies.
MRT 12-Step Structure and Open-Ended Format Policy
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 …
MRT Facilitator Training: 32 Hours Required Policy
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.
R&R Reduces Reoffending by Approximately 14% Statistic
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.
14%
CBT Programs Reduce Recidivism by 20-30% Finding
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 …
Typical Peer Mentor Training: 40-80 Hours Policy
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), c…
Center for Employment Opportunities: 52% Higher Employment at 12 Months Statistic
The Center for Employment Opportunities reentry mentoring program showed 52% higher employment at 12 months for participants.
52%
CALPIA: Significantly Less Likely to Be Arrested Post-Release Finding
CALPIA participants were significantly less likely to be arrested at 1, 2, and 3 years post-release.
Restorative Justice Victim Satisfaction: 80-90% Statistic
Victim satisfaction rates are 80-90% in restorative justice programs versus traditional court processes.
RJ Programs Reduce Recidivism with Stronger Effects for Violent Offenses Finding
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.
75-90% of Incarcerated People Have Experienced Significant Trauma Statistic
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.
Seeking Safety: Over 40 Published Outcome Studies Finding
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), In…
Vocational Training: 28% Higher Employment Odds Statistic
Vocational training programs in prison settings are associated with 28% higher employment odds for participants.
28%
27% Unemployment Among Formerly Incarcerated Statistic
27% unemployment rate among formerly incarcerated individuals, a key barrier to reentry.
27%
Homelessness Rate: ~5,700 per 100,000 Formerly Incarcerated Statistic
Homelessness affects approximately 5,700 per 100,000 formerly incarcerated individuals.
5,700 per 100,000 formerly incarcerated
Poverty Is Strongest Predictor of Recidivism Finding
Poverty is the strongest predictor of recidivism among formerly incarcerated individuals.
68% Re-arrested Within 3 Years; 46-49% Returned to Prison Within 5 Years Statistic
68% of formerly incarcerated individuals are re-arrested within 3 years, and 46-49% are returned to prison within 5 years.
68%
RAND: 43% Lower Odds of Recidivating for Correctional Education Participants Statistic
The RAND Corporation's major 2013 study found correctional education participants had 43% lower odds of recidivating compared to non-participants.
43%
RAND: 13% Higher Odds of Obtaining Employment Post-Release Statistic
Correctional education participants had 13% higher odds of obtaining employment post-release.
13%
RAND: $1 Spent on Correctional Education Saves $5 on Reincarceration Statistic
The RAND Corporation found that every $1 spent on correctional education saves $5 on reincarceration costs.
$5.00 vs. dollar spent on correctional education
Prison Bachelor's Degrees: 42% Higher Callback Odds vs GEDs Statistic
A 2024 audit study found prison-earned bachelor's degrees showed 42% higher callback odds compared to GEDs.
42% vs. GED holders
Vera Institute: Expanding Postsecondary Education Would Save $365.8 Million Annually Statistic
The Vera Institute of Justice estimated expanding postsecondary education in prisons would reduce costs by $365.8 million annually.
$365.8M
Vocational Education: 15.6% Decrease in Recidivism Odds Statistic
Vocational education in correctional settings was associated with a 15.6% decrease in recidivism odds.
15.6%
College Programs in Prisons Dropped from ~350 to ~12 After 1994 Crime Bill Trend
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.
73% of Formerly Incarcerated with GEDs Earned Them While Incarcerated Statistic
73% of formerly incarcerated people with GEDs earned them while incarcerated.
73%
Certainty of Being Caught More Powerful Than Punishment Severity Finding
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.
RNR Principle: Target Higher-Risk Individuals Finding
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 indi…
Poorly Implemented Mentoring Can Be Harmful Finding
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.
Recommended Forge Program Structure: 6-12 Months Policy
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.
Forge Recommended Five-Layer Curriculum Framework Policy
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 dedicate…
SAMHSA Six Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Care Policy
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.
R&R Curriculum: 35 Sessions Across 9 Core Modules Policy
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…
R&R2 Revised to 16-Session Format Policy
R&R2 is a revised shorter 16-session format of Reasoning and Rehabilitation for broader implementation, incorporating updated neuroscience on executive functioning.
46-49% Returned to Prison Within 5 Years Statistic
46-49% of formerly incarcerated individuals are returned to prison within 5 years of release.
Natural Desistance from Crime Around Age 35 Finding
NIJ research indicates that individuals naturally reduce criminal activity around age 35, a phenomenon known as age-crime desistance.
Elements of Effective Practice: 16 Elements Across Program Lifecycle Policy
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 evalua…
Sources
13 cited sources backing this research.
Primary
Official report
Correctional Counseling, Inc.
Primary
Data portal
Secondary
Official report
CSG Justice Center
Primary
Official report
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Tertiary
Gps original
GPS Forge Mentorship Development Program Research Compilation
Primary
Official report
Inside-Out Center
Primary
Official report
MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership
Primary
Official report
National Institute of Corrections
Primary
Official report
National Institute of Justice
Secondary
Official report
Prison Policy Initiative
Primary
Academic
RAND Corporation — Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education (2013)
Primary
Official report
SAMHSA TIP 57 and Trauma-Informed Approach Resources
Secondary
Official report
Vera Institute of Justice
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Alternatives to Violence Project
[program]
CALPIA
[program]
Center for Employment Opportunities
[organization]
Correctional Counseling, Inc.
[organization]
Council of State Governments Justice Center
[organization]
Elizabeth Fabiano
[person]
Equal Justice USA
[organization]
Federal Bureau of Prisons
[organization]
Forge Mentorship Development Program
[program]
Gregory Little
[person]
Impact Justice Restorative Justice Project
[program]
Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program
[program]
Insight Prison Project
[program]
Kenneth Robinson
[person]
Lawrence Kohlberg
[person]
Lisa Najavits
[person]
MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership
[organization]
Moral Reconation Therapy
[program]
National Institute of Corrections
[organization]
National Institute of Justice
[organization]
Prison Policy Initiative
[organization]
RAND Corporation
[organization]
Ready4Work
[program]
Reasoning and Rehabilitation
[program]
Resolve to Stop the Violence Project
[program]
Robert Ross
[person]
Seeking Safety
[program]
Stephanie Covington
[person]
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
[organization]
Thinking for a Change
[program]
Vera Institute of Justice
[organization]