The role of occupational therapy in the criminal justice system : enhancing transitional services for community integration
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Justice-involved individuals often face barriers to employment, emotional regulation, and communication, which can hinder successful reentry and increase recidivism. These challenges reflect occupational injustice and highlight the need for supportive transitional services. Occupational therapy (OT) offers a holistic, client-centered approach to address these issues, yet its role in the criminal justice system remains limited. This doctoral capstone project developed and implemented a virtual, self-paced job readiness workshop in collaboration with Beyond the Conviction: Building Brighter Futures (BTCBBF), a nonprofit organization supporting individuals post-incarceration. Guided by the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance (CMOP), Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), and Occupational Adaptation (OA), the project followed a quality improvement approach using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. A review of current literature supported the integration of OT in reentry programs. Pre- and post-surveys completed by BTCBBF staff and volunteers showed increased confidence and knowledge in communication, goal setting, and emotional regulation. Qualitative feedback emphasized the accessibility and real-world applicability of the workshop content. A sustainability guide was created to support long-term use. This project reinforces OT's potential to reduce recidivism and foster occupational justice by promoting skill development, independence, and positive social change for individuals reentering the community.
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