The Wilmington HOPE Commission is Delaware’s premier correctional reentry program, which provides comprehensive reentry support services. These services target crime-causing factors, shown to be predictors of recidivism, for formerly incarcerated high-risk men leaving prison and returning to Wilmington’s most distressed communities. Founded on research-informed solutions, the HOPE Commission provides rehabilitative treatment services and programs to promote successful reentry. The HOPE Commission’s staff have completed training focusing on trauma-informed approaches.
The population served at the HOPE Commission has experienced various levels of trauma, including, but not limited to, incarceration, violence, loss of a parent to drugs or incarceration, poverty and physical abuse. Some have been homeless, unemployed and do not have a high school diploma. These are all traumatic events that can hinder a person’s ability to reenter society effectively after incarceration. All the events identified could also contribute to a person’s ability to complete probation effectively, as well.
Delaware has become proactive with reentry services for inmates returning to society. The current plan, created by the Delaware Correctional Reentry Commission, highlights the importance of having a trauma-informed approach to reentry. Research has shown that high trauma levels predict serious, violent and chronic (SVC) delinquency. A person’s ability to process through adversity is likely to be diminished as a result. Trauma affects a person’s brain and their ability to cope with stressors that are common in society. Those stressors include, but are not limited to, lack of housing, employment and education. These are all issues that the members of the HOPE Commission have faced. When not addressed successfully, their chances of returning to prison increase. The HOPE Commission provides services to our members that assist with all the stressors identified.
The effectiveness of reentry strategies developed to assist returning offenders diminished when the participants had high trauma levels. Research has proven a relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the likelihood that a person will commit a crime. One study concluded that ACEs and poor behavior are correlated. When effectively addressing the individual’s trauma, their likelihood of reoffending may decrease. Offenders would benefit from the Department of Correction assessing trauma before placing participants in reentry programs to address the underlying issues.
The HOPE Commission is assessing its members for trauma. During their assessment, they complete the adverse childhood experience questionnaire. If we take a closer look at trauma, we will likely increase the individual’s chances of success. When addressing a person’s trauma, we help them and help a generation. The member can look at their negative behavior and recognize how their trauma contributed to it. We increase hope that there is a better day ahead by addressing trauma and providing trauma-informed services.
Dr. Debra Mason is the deputy executive director of the Wilmington HOPE Commission. More information can be found at here.
