Title: A Family Reunification Program for Post-Incarcerated Men
Date: 2025-08-15
Author/Creator: Som, Selena
Abstract: For post-incarcerated men, family reunification is a critical factor of reintegration and recidivism. Post-incarcerated men face many barriers that impact their success in reintegrating back into their family and community, which can lead to increased rates of recidivism (Keller et al., 2022; Liu & Miller, 2023; Muentner & Charles, 2020). Evidence from current literature indicates that addressing barriers post-incarcerated men face supports successful outcomes in family reunification and overall community reentry (Keller et al., 2022; Muentner & Charles, 2020; Skinner-Osei & Stepteau-Watson, 2018). The scope of occupational therapy is equipped to address the needs of post-incarcerated men by promoting occupational justice to support positive family and community reintegration outcomes. The purpose of this doctoral project was to develop a research-based family reunification program to fit the unique needs of post-incarcerated men to increase positive family and community reintegration outcomes. The development of the materials for this program was informed by a needs assessment, scoping review, continuing education related to family reunification for post-incarcerated men and program development, on-site observations, collaboration with stakeholders, and semi-structured interviews with staff. Implementation of the program encompassed staff viewing the first module of the program during a team meeting, followed by the completion of a post-evaluation survey to determine feasibility, relevancy, and areas for improvement for program content and delivery. Data responses from staff through the post-evaluation survey revealed overall positive feedback regarding relevancy, program content, and program delivery. Recommendations based on outcomes include implementation of the family reunification program at Great River Landing and advocating and expanding the role of occupational therapy within the criminal justice system. Additional recommendations include that residents should take part in the program by means of referral from staff and that there be collaboration and partnerships with community organizations to expand support for post-incarcerated men.
Advisor: Heather Beth Johnson, OTD, OTR/L
Department/School: Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy
Degree Name: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
