Introduction
Interventions are evidence-based practices aimed at meeting the demands of underserved members of a given society. In some cases, such initiatives are implemented in such a way that they re-pattern a beneficiary’s life. Experts in the field of social work should be aware of various intervention models and replicate them in various settings. This paper describes the evidence-based practice models applied in correctional facilities and examines how they could be introduced in field placement agencies.
Models for Correctional Facilities
Several intervention models are currently being employed in correctional facilities to transform convicts. The first one is the custodian approach and it remains effective since it focuses on the best ways to maximize discipline and security. Prisoners are guided to follow orders, avoid indiscipline, and engage in actions that are morally acceptable. The rehabilitation approach forms the second evidence-based model in my correctional centers. In such a model, incarcerated persons receive the relevant treatment, therapy, and guidance to become reformed individuals (Duwe, 2017). The involvement of key stakeholders and professionals supports the provision of devisable results. The third one is known as reintegration and ensures that offenders retain their ties with family members and other people in the community. The participants acknowledge that the individual will eventually have to get back to society.
Field Placement Agency
Field placement agencies can be studied as social work environments that provide additional opportunities to students, thereby making it possible for them to pursue their academic programs. Each agency would specialize in a different setting, such as healthcare, childcare, elderly patients, community development, and human empowerment (Duwe, 2017). The rehabilitative and reintegration model stands out from correctional systems and can be adequately introduced in field placement agencies. The consideration of such models means that the participants will consider some of the best ways to rehabilitate the beneficiaries. For instance, persons affected by drug abuse or alcoholism will be guided to quit and consider better ways to transform their lives. The model should also be adopted when helping persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Similarly, the reintegration model could be applied in such a way that the beneficiaries in various placement agencies receive timely guidance, instructions, and ideas for re-patterning their lives. They will also learn more about the realities in their communities and adjust their practices accordingly. Additionally, social workers will identify new ways to guide the participants and ensure that they continue to remain part of their respective communities (Hopkin et al., 2018). The underpinning concept or reality is that such individuals will eventually have to become true and responsible members of their respective societies.
Critical Issues
The selected case study for this analysis is that of the Advocacy Center located in Waco, Texas. This field placement agency identifies itself as a non-profit institution that implements a wide range of programs with the aim of helping children and victims of crime (Advocacy Center, 2021). It achieves the intended objectives through continuous collaboration, advocacy, and engagement in a wide range of awareness initiatives. Additionally, the agency has been implementing the rehabilitation model. This strategy has been working positively to empower most of the victims, guide them to have a purpose in life, and be prepared for future challenges.
A number of strengths will dictate the success of this intervention model at the selected placement facility. For instance, the institution has competent professionals who guide learners to be part of the process. The long history of the facility has led to a superior model for meeting the demands of more victims (Duwe, 2017). The presence of resources and support from different agencies and well-wishers ensures that timely results are recorded. The major weaknesses include the ineffectiveness of the intervention in helping persons with troubled pasts, unlimited space for the increasing number of potential beneficiaries, and financial challenges.
One of the key systemic factors this agency continues to encounter is the absence of a unique intervention for helping victims of crime. However, this issue presets divergent points of view. On one side, the absence of an effective intervention model makes it impossible for more victims to record positive gains. However, the absence allows students and professional social workers to implement a wide range of interventions that can eventually help meet the changing demands of more victims (Advocacy Center, 2021). The other systemic factor affecting the use of a rehabilitative model is the inability to provide personalized support to specific individuals. The emerging points of view include the desire to combine other key intervention models, the need to subdivide possible beneficiaries in accordance with their demands, and the importance of starting similar agencies across the country. The ultimate aim should be to ensure that all interventions put in place are capable of delivering the much-needed outcomes.
Conclusion
The above discussion has revealed that learners can identify specific placement agencies that resonate with their goals. They need to borrow emerging ideas from correctional facilities and introduce strategies that can help transform beneficiaries’ lives. The studied case study presents a number of critical issues that future social workers should consider if they are to transform the nature of intervention in the field.
References
Advocacy Center. (2021). The advocacy center for crime victims and children. Web.
Duwe, G. (2017). The use and impact of correctional programming for inmates on pre- and post-release outcomes. National Institute of Justice.
Hopkin, G., Evans-Lacko, S., Forrester, A., Shaw, J., & Thornicroft, G. (2018). Interventions at the transition from prison to the community for prisoners with mental illness: A systematic review. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 45, 623–634. Web.