Author : Padma Shani Jones
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 77 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (122 download)
Book Synopsis Prison-based Animal Programs and Inmate Mental Health by : Padma Shani Jones
Download or read book Prison-based Animal Programs and Inmate Mental Health written by Padma Shani Jones and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 77 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There are currently an unknown number of prison-based animal programs (PAPs) in operation in the United States. These programs have been attributed to providing a variety of life skills to inmates as well as contributing to positive outcomes in inmate mental health including reported symptom reduction in depression, anxiety, and aggressive behaviors. Limited research on PAPs is currently available. Regardless of the gaps in literature, a strong interest continues to exist for these programs due to anecdotal evidence of positive outcomes. This thesis project aimed to examine the animal-based organizations that partner with correctional facilities in implementing PAPs. Understanding the structural organization and design of these organizations and their impact on inmates can aide in the proper development and implementation of PAPs in more correctional facilities throughout the nation. A qualitative research approach was taken for this project. Open-ended telephone interviews were conducted with representatives of animal-based organizations to gain insight into PAPs and their impact on inmates. In interviewing the animal-based organizations (n=4), the focus was on structural organization, barriers to implementation, and the perceived impacts on inmates. A similar focus was placed on correctional facilities, with an interest on the purpose for implementation and perceived impact on inmates. These findings contribute to the growing literature of PAPs and provide important information regarding further development and implementation of PAPs in correctional facilities. While empirical data associated with the effects of PAPs on inmates are limited, the positive mental health outcomes observed in inmates has been noted across literature. This project concludes that while there are barriers that must be overcome when implementing a PAP, further development of these programs in correctional facilities may contribute to the improved mental health of incarcerated populations, further preparing inmates for reentry into society.