Trauma-informed approaches in correctional settings

Author

• Mahlet T. Habtemeskel, Minnesota State University MoorheadFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-2026

Document Type

Project (696 or 796 registration)

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Department

Graduate Studies

Committee Chair

Dr. Sloan Geraldine

Keywords

Trauma-Informed care, correctional settings, retraumatization, historical trauma

Abstract

Trauma‑informed care (TIC) has become an important framework for understanding and responding to the needs of incarcerated individuals, who experience disproportionately high rates of childhood adversity, interpersonal violence, and systemic trauma. Research has shown that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) early victimization shapes individual behavior patterns, justice system involvement, and emotional regulation (Ratcliff et al., 2025; Marotta, 2022). Traditional correctional models rooted in punishment, control, and surveillance often repeat the dynamics of past trauma, exacerbating emotional dysregulation, behavioral challenges, and recidivism (Desai, 2019; Slovinsky, 2023). This thesis examines the theoretical foundations, implementation strategies, and outcomes of trauma‑informed approaches in correctional settings through a literature review drawing on historical trauma, neurobiological trauma theory, attachment theory, critical race perspectives, and correctional rehabilitation theory (Crosby, 2016; Grady & Yoder, 2024; Lutz et al., 2022). Findings show that trauma‑informed interventions improve institutional safety, reduce violence, strengthen mental health outcomes, and strengthen staff‑inmate relationships (Baetz et al., 2025; Coelho et al., 2025; Mueller et al., 2023). However, implementation remains uneven due to punitive institutional cultures, limited staff training, resource restrictions, and fragmented policy support (Miller & Najvits, 2012; Walden & Allen, 2019). This thesis project provides examples of the United States, Ethiopia, and Sweden, illustrating the importance of cultural context, systemic philosophy, and organizational commitment. The study states that trauma‑informed care is key for effective rehabilitation and recommends policy reforms, staff training, environmental redesign, and culturally grounded programming. The overarching goal of TIC is to intentionally integrate knowledge of the historical trauma, and neurobiological, social, and psychological effects of trauma into policies, procedures, and practices that build a compassionate, safe, and respectful environment (Levenson & Willi, 2019). Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies, staff wellness, and culturally adapted TIC models.

Keywords: Trauma-Informed care, correctional settings, retraumatization, historical trauma

Recommended Citation

Habtemeskel, Mahlet T., "Trauma-informed approaches in correctional settings" (2026). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 1154.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/1154