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Conflict Reduction

Our conflict reduction resources focus on successfully managing internal and external triggers, feelings of anger, and issues of aggression or violence.

The 10-session units listed below are shaped for successful implementation in an open group/open admissions format, and form the basis for core correctional programming, ad seg and restricted unit programs, and step-down models. They can also form the foundation for gang intervention (security threat group) programming. They are designed to be selected and used flexibly to address a range of institutional needs and objectives.

Introduction to Groups

Introduction to group programming. Focus is engagement (participation) and increasing awareness of their choices and options. Certain elements build toward contemplation of life issues as well as past and present choices. Useful as a core programming element, and as the initial step in group programming as part of a step-down model.
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Adjustment Unit

This 10-session unit promotes success in handling people problems and specific problem situations through targeted discussion elements and other elements. It also helps reduce vulnerability to selected high risk factors. Ideal for new inmates or for reception centers!
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Criminal Thinking Unit

The primary focus of these resources is awareness and self-management of selected areas of dysfunctional or criminal thinking. Key elements include a basic cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approach and multiple resources which provide a foundation for examining faulty thinking - including common defense mechanisms. Many opportunities for problem-solving!
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Handling people problems here successfully #1

Goals: (1) Success in handling people problems, specific problem situations. (2) Reduction in vulnerability to selected high risk factors. (3) Participation in programming, adherence to group rules. (4) Increased understanding, motivation, some movement to Contemplation stage of change. Helpful for new inmates and inmates in transition between institutional levels.
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Handling people problems here successfully #2

Goals: (1) Success in handling people problems; success in handling specific problem situations. (2) Participation, adherence to group rules. (3) Demonstrated understanding if issues and concepts (CBT). (4) Movement to Contemplation stage of change, and possibly some to Preparation//Determination stage.
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Handling people problems here successfully #3

Goals: (1) Success in handling people problems and trigger situations. (2) Demonstrated understanding (CBT). (3) Movement to Contemplation stage, and some elements in Preparation//Determination stage. (4) Increased confidence in anticipation of specific high risk or problem situations (SCQ). Note: these units can be used in any sequence, but this one may best be provided in the later stages of the program model as it includes very helpful change-focused elements.
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Handling people problems here successfully #4

Goals: (1) Reduction in assault and acting out behaviors. (2) Success in handling people problems, specific problem situations; reduction in vulnerability to selected high risk factors. (3) Demonstrated understanding (CBT). (4) Movement to Contemplation stage, and some elements of Preparation//Determination stage. (5) Increased confidence in anticipation of specific high risk or problem situations (SCQ).
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Fighting and violence #1

Goals: (1) Reduction in assault and acting out behaviors. (2) Success in handling feelings from specific problem situations, including aggravation and disrespect. (3) Demonstrated understanding of key issues and concepts (CBT). (4) Movement to Contemplation stage of change.
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Fighting and violence #2

Goals: (1) Reduction in assault and acting out behaviors. (2) Success in handling feelings from specific problem situations. (3) Movement to Contemplation stage of change. (4) Increased confidence in anticipation of specific high risk or problem situations (SCQ).
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Cellmate Issues

Anger

The primary focus of these resources is awareness and self-management of symptoms and trigges to anger. Key elements include a basic cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approach, supplemented by DBT mindfulness activities, distress tolerance skills, and tools designed to assist awareness and motivation for successful symptoms self-management.

Goals: (1) Increased understanding and successful management of angry feelings. (2) Success in handling angry feelings from specific problem situations. (3) Demonstrated understanding of specific anger issues (CBT). (4) Movement to Contemplation stage - awareness, understanding, insight, acceptance.
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Managing aggression and violence (skills version)

Increased self-awareness and self-management through improved interpersonal and self-management skills. Skills development resource - with complete lesson plans, worksheets and participant activities.
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Handling the tough times

This unit addresses increased self-awareness and improved self-management/stress management skills. This unit includes complete lesson plans, worksheets and participant activities.
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Stress Management

Strongly recommend as part of a comprehensive conflict reduction model.
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Your mindset and your choices

Key goals: (1) Success in reducing and acting out on specific risk factors. (2) Demonstrated understanding and insight (CBT). (3) Movement to Contemplation stage of change, and some elements indicative of Preparation//Determination stage.

Underlying goal: This unit is designed to explore certain kinds of thinking what may have been supportive of gang involvement or activity. This approach is designed to avoid common areas of resistance to a direct gang intervention approach. However, critical elements of this unit address the risk factors and thinking underlying gang involvement. They are appropriate for individuals who have been identified as members of a security threat group (STG), as well as those who may be exposed to gang activity. We suggest that this unit may be most effective if it follows - and builds on - some of the other program elements.

This resource is helpful in the area of “gang desistance” and “gang avoidance.” We can also provide a separate set of additional resources supporting efforts toward definitive steps in gang renunciation (where such steps may be appropriate).
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Stress Management #2 (gang focus)

Goals: (1) Reduction in assault and acting out behaviors. (2) Success in handling feelings from specific problem situations (some relating to gang activity). (3) Demonstrated understanding if issues relating to their experiences with gangs and violence (CBT). (4) Movement to Contemplation stage of change

Note: The first four lessons unit address certain risk factors and thinking underlying gang involvement. They are appropriate for individuals who have been identified as members of a security threat group (STG), as well as those who may be exposed to gang activity. We suggest that this unit may be most effective if it follows - and builds on - some of the other program elements.

Note: the Stress Management portions of this unit can be provided separately - or as part of other units. One model supports a “stepdown” model for inmates in ad seg units.
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