In-Jail Treatment Promotes Prosocial and Healthy Behavior

The following story is one example of how Pioneer Human Services, with the support of King County and the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, has been able to support positive behavioral change in the King County Corrections-Based Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program within the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, Washington. 

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Mr. H. remained committed to the in-jail treatment program despite the temporary disruption of the program being transitioned to a designated medical unit inside the jail. He continued sharing with staff about his past challenges and difficulties associated with employment, education, family relationships and ongoing substance use while he was in the treatment program. This open sharing of his past informed Pioneer staff of his direct challenges so they could better assist him on his recovery journey. During this time, staff also learned about Mr. H’s measurable history with the justice system and how he has spent time in multiple custody settings.

Pioneer’s in-jail staff provided constant support and motivational interviewing, and remained consistent with the care provided to Mr. H. These efforts proved to validate the slightest increases with Mr. H’s prosocial and recovery oriented behavior. However, sustained change was often hard to see and there were ongoing questions by staff on how to best serve him. With the stress, pressure and conflicts of daily living in the jail, Mr. H’s criminogenic needs would reappear in waves throughout the week.

One morning, an officer in the jail unit approached Pioneer’s staff and indicated that he needed to discuss Mr. H. with them. Usually, what comes next in a situation like this, is communication regarding a rule violation or some form of a behavioral concern. In this case, it was quite the opposite. The unit officer shared how in the past he became familiar with Mr. H. due to his frequent disciplinary actions that resulted in trips to the hole (segregated housing). The officer continued to share that he was noticing a positive change in Mr. H. since he started the in-jail substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program.

The officer said, “This has been the longest time I have ever seen Mr. H. stay in the unit without a significant disciplinary action needing to occur.” Since the officers are often monitoring up to 100 men, it is incredibly remarkable that the positive behavioral change stood out so much that the officer felt inclined to approach and inform staff.

Jordan Thornley, Pioneer’s clinical SUD manager, said, “Mr. H. is recognizing the negative results from his old behaviors and shows internal motivation to increase prosocial and healthier behaviors for his life in recovery. He acknowledges having several priorities and has shown a willingness to stay committed to the program and recovery.” Thornley added, “Mr. H. now brings a level of light heartedness and a sociable attitude that has a way of positively impacting the group.”

Both jail officers and Pioneer staff have reported that now Mr. H. regularly demonstrates prosocial behavior. Mr. H. shared with us, “Trust the recovery process and it will work.”