Reducing Recidivism through Relationship-Based Care

For agencies working with individuals reentering the community after incarceration, a significant challenge is breaking the cycle of recidivism. To address this challenge, Hialeah, Florida-based Citrus Health Network, which provides mental health and primary care services and also assists individuals with accessing housing, adopted a relationship-based model of care, which is proving to have significant success. Manuel Sarria (pictured above) of Citrus Health Network has done research of the programs efficacy and found this model is proven successful in creating strong relationships between client and service providers.

• The relationship-based care model operates on the premise that healthy relationship qualities such as respect, connectedness, and empathy, are important to engaging individuals in therapy and empowering them to take responsibility for their lives


• This model uses motivational therapy techniques, including expressing empathy and indirectly confronting clients by helping them see the discrepancy between their aspirations and current situation


• Clients must be included in the intervention-development discussion
  

Here’s how it looks in practice

• Stage One: During the engagement process, motivational interviewing techniques establish the foundation


• Stage Two: Clients begin to feel secure and safe, leading to greater stability and commitment and stronger relationships with staff - It is not uncommon for individuals to remain in the second stage; however, those who progress beyond stage two were more likely to experience long-term positive outcomes


• Stage Three: Clients have an “awakening” and experience a desire for more than just meeting their basic needs


• Stage Four: client maintains stability, shows signs of psychological flourishing, practices new adaptive behaviors and is ready to transition to independent living


• Access to mental health and primary care must be a priority

This model is best suited for agencies that, like Citrus Health Network, provide integrated care: primary care, mental healthcare and housing services. Integrated services allow for easier care coordination and effective clinical staffing sessions.