A Case Study on Staff Perspectives of Programming in a Forensic Mental Health Treatment Facility

Authors

  • Emily S. Messina Eastern Washington University
  • Yoshitaka Iwasaki University of Alberta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2017-V51-I1-7762

Keywords:

activity, case study, corrections, leisure, mental health, programming, qualitative, recreation

Abstract

This paper examines staff impressions of and insights regarding programming at a forensic mental health facility in the Southeastern United States. The facility studied for this research provides services for adult males who are incompetent to proceed to trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. The facility underwent an overhaul of services, transitioning from a voluntary referral-based activity program to a compulsory, structured activity program. This transition offered a unique opportunity to explore staff perceptions of the differences between the two programs. This paper describes the results from a series of focused interviews conducted with employees. The following themes were identified as key issues across staff interviews: (a) value of therapeutic activities, (b) accessibility, (c) choice, (d) participation, and (e) structure. These frontline perspectives offer valuable insights into programming issues for this population. 

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Author Biographies

Emily S. Messina, Eastern Washington University

Emily S. Messina, PhD, CTRS
Assistant Professor, Therapeutic Recreation
Department of Physical Education, Health, and Recreation
Eastern Washington University

Yoshitaka Iwasaki, University of Alberta

Yoshitaka Iwasaki, PhD

Professor and Associate Dean, Research

Faculty of Extension

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Published

2017-04-26

Issue

Vol. 51 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Qualitative Papers

License

Sagamore Publishing LLC (hereinafter the “Copyright Owner”)

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