Seattle University Collaborative Projects - International Academy of ...

Traditional research on desistance from offending has focused on large quantitative studies,which do not account for underlying support mechanisms. Additionally, most of the desistanceliterature subsumes women within the male demographic, meaning that intervention may lackspecificity. Taking a more psychological and person-centred approach can impact positively onindividuals and assist with re-integration into the community. Qualitative research with womenoffenders in London, England, will be outlined, with recommendations for providing morepsychologically informed approaches. Recent literature has indicated that the process view ofdesistance is appropriate for consideration of underlying mechanisms. In contrast to the moretraditional ‘finite’ point of view, it may enable an account of progress made by individuals(Farrington & Kazemian, 2010). Interventions need to be targeted in a differential, timely andflexible manner (Crighton & Towl, 2008). Using process models of desistance, based on theoffender’s experience, may inform this. The potential for using process models of desistance,based on the experience of women offenders, will be outlined.Saving and Changing Lives through Effective Trauma Focused TherapiesKristine Buffington, National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Toledo, USA(kbuffington46@hotmail.com) (419-944-4602)Every human being is born with a beautiful potential to learn, grow, love, and to make wonderfulcontributions to their families, their communities, and society. Sometimes adversities occur inthe lives of children and adults that can harm or interfere with their reaching their full potential,adversities such as child abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, racism, sexism, poverty, andoppression. While these adversities or traumas have the potential to derail child developmentand impact the lifespan, there are things we can do to address traumatic stress and help to saveand transform lives. There are three levels of approaches to address traumatic stress: prevention,trauma-informed system responses, and the use of evidence based trauma focused therapies.This presentation will address highlights of trauma-informed system responses and evidencebased trauma-focused therapies. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network developed aframework of essential elements of trauma informed care for the child welfare system. Theseessential elements are relevant across all systems and can influence a pathway of respectful andlife saving responses. Also highlighted will be Karen W. Saakvitne’s et. al. Risking ConnectionModel and Cohen, Mannarino, and Deblinger’s Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.27. Community-Based Compulsory Treatment: Emerging Findingsfrom the UK and International PerspectivesThe Evidence for Community Treatment Orders: An International Perspective69