When I first accepted the position at Lubbock County Detention Center (LCDC) as the rehabilitation coordinator, I had no idea that coordinating the Step Up program would be one of the most fulfilling experiences in my career. This experience, working with an incarcerated male population, has given me a new perspective as an experienced mental health professional. This is all thanks to LEO and their research showing positive outcomes.
The results have shown a decrease in behavioral incidents and a decrease in aggressive and/or volatile behaviors from the inmates that participate in the program. So, what makes the program successful? From a non-research perspective, and from my own clinical opinion based on my observations of the program, here’s how I would answer that question.
It is important to understand that therapy alone does not change an individual’s behavior, other people cannot force someone to change, and a shift in behavior does not guarantee permanent change. Developmental growth consists of change in core beliefs and values of oneself and the world, life experiences, knowledge, awareness, and the ability to exercise choice.
Step Up has taught me that it is imperative that we change the culture and environment of jail.
Society has created the belief that jail should be a cold, dark, isolating, and harsh environment with a staff versus inmate dynamic. Think “The Shawshank Redemption” or “The Alabama Solution”. Step Up has taught us differently: officers and inmates work together to create respect, clear communication, and defined boundaries.
Creating a safe place where individuals can be vulnerable and express themselves helps them find their own motivation for change. Even in confinement, they can build autonomy, open-mindedness, peer support, accountability, integrity, and healthy socialization skills.
One Step Up participant, a frequent flyer at the jail, began the program in his 60s as he prepared for prison. He said his biggest fear was failure and the relapse it could cause before reentry.
He recently wrote a letter from prison about his experience in the program:
“Even though I’m still locked up it’s like I’m this different guy and it’s not just on the outside…The shame is gone and I live for the future now instead of in the past. My dreams have come back and I know that I’m capable of having a good life!...I know that I’m the one that put in the work. I’m very proud of that but I also know that you and that program changed my life.”
Another participant, placed in the same prison unit as his brother, shared how he used what he learned in Step Up:
“Prison sure ain’t what it used to be…I shared with my brother what I have learned and how I manage with my anxiety from the Step Up program. I’m very grateful you allowed me to attend and be able to graduate.”
He continued to mentor others and reported that prison was easier this time. He adjusted in a healthy way, avoided focusing on gang affiliations, and became a positive influence by modeling accountability, healthy coping strategies, and constructive behavior.
Starting Step Up during the pre-sentencing stage can lay the foundation for a safer correctional culture for inmates and staff and a better future for those reentering society.
When I introduced games such as inflatable bowling, karaoke, and silicone darts, the idea was questioned. I argued that incentives are part of behavior modification, but the result was deeper: participants learned to have fun without substances, built healthy friendships, experienced play they may have missed in childhood, and developed humility and self-awareness that helped them become positive role models and
mentors.
As much as we would like for this program to be the cure to prevent relapses of negative behaviors, it does not guarantee prevention. Relapses do happen and it is part of the stages of change. Some participants move through all stages during the 21-week program; others remain in precontemplation for the first 12 weeks.
Each participant’s timeline is different, and many move between contemplation—thinking about change—and action—taking steps to change.
The final letter comes from one of our youngest participants, who became a Step Up mentor before transitioning to prison. While there, he experienced a relapse:
“You gave me the chance of a lifetime that a lot of people don’t get or don’t realize the opportunity that they have. And I really am thankful for that. I’ve been in and out of incarceration and different types of programs since 14 years old and none of them has helped me as much as the Step Up program has. I can’t lie when I first got to my transfer unit, I started condoning in negativity and ended up relapsing…After awhile I really realized if I’m messing up in here how am I gonna really change…I am currently going to college now to get my associates degree…I take a lot of classes called ITP classes. They’re kind of like the ones in Step Up…I know the program is hard due to the cost and inmates but you can’t let other people affect your life and your future. I highly recommend this program if you’re willing to give it a try.”
Every participant’s journey and outcomes are different. Step Up succeeds because it is not a cut-and-paste program focused on one thing for every participant. Collaboration, psychoeducation, and a willingness to adapt to a correctional facility’s unique culture are essential.
Looking ahead, I hope to build on these lessons by scalingand replicating the program’s most effective practices to improve jail culture and
outcomes for incarcerated individuals and correctional staff nationwide.