Corrections_Today_Winter_2024-2025_Vol.86_No.4

PROGRAMMING

Findings Outcomes measures were extremely positive. (See chart below.) Utilizing paired t tests, respondents dem onstrated statically significant increases in self-efficacy A (the ability to complete a job or achieve a goal), self esteem B (one’s view of themselves), happiness C (feelings of contentment or well-being), self-control D (the ability to resist temptation), and empathy E (the ability to share in another’s feelings), as well as statistically significant decreases in stress F , anxiety G and depression H , upon completing four weeks as a canine caretaker/handler. Qualitative data exhibited equally positive outcomes. All participants (100%; n=44) said they enjoyed the program and found it rewarding. They learned respon sibility and how to properly care for the puppies under their supervision. Caring for the dogs gave them a sense of purpose and the love and attention they received from the puppies served as their reward. One handler noted: It was fun but at the same time it was good responsibility. It got me to get up in the morning. I used to wake up and write or read but you can only do so much of that. With the pups, I could get up earlier. It was more responsibility and I liked it a lot. It’s like having to be there for a little kid. It can be a lot but it’s a good thing for them and us. They give us love back. They like us and it makes us feel wanted and welcomed . They felt the responsibility required in this new role earned them the trust of facility staff:

scale — MDEES), and institutional conduct (self-report ed disciplinary infractions and filed grievances). 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 Differences from pre and posttests were measured utilizing paired t tests to determine if changes occurred in the aforementioned measures. Open ended questions assessed direct experience in the program and were examined using thematic analyses and coded, managing data by case and themes, to identify commonalities in participants’ responses. Sample The sample consisted of 29 women (65.9%) and 15 men (34.1%), ages 18 to 58 (M=31.7). Participants identi fied as black (n=15; 34%; white (n=11; 25%), Latino/a (n=11; 25%); and biracial (n=7; 16%). Twenty-eight (66%) had a high school diploma, while four (9%) had a bachelor’s degree. Slightly more than half were un employed prior to arrest (n=23; 52.3%) and most were single (n=33; 75%), with slightly more than half (n=23; 52.3%) with children. Twenty-nine participants (65.9%) reported a mental health problem and 54.5% (n=24) reported a problem with alcohol or drugs. On average, participants had a total of seven arrests and the top four reasons for their current charge were drug possession (n=8; 18.2%), an illegal weapon (m=7; 15.9%), and petty larceny (n=4; 9.1%) or DUI (n=4; 9.1%). Since residents often have various lengths of stays, posttest measures were taken after four weeks of participation for con sistency. However, residents are allowed to remain as handlers until their release/transfer.

Outcome Measures

Caring for the dogs gave them a sense of purpose and the love and attention they received from the puppies served as their reward.

A

(t(43) = -2.363, p < .05 (p=.02) ; p < .01 (p=.01)

B

(t(43) = 10.396, p < .05 (p=.00); p < .01 (p=.00)

C

(t(43) = -2.764, p < .05 (.01); p < .01 (p=.00)

D

(t(43) = -2.262, p < .05 (p=.03); p < .01 (p=.01)

E

(t(43) = -3.589, p < .05 (p=.00); p < .01 (p=.00)

F

(t(43) = 2.44, p < .05 (p=.02); p < .01 (p=.01)

G

(t(43) = 2.708, p < .05 (p=.01); p < .01 (p=.00)

H

(t(43) = 2.118, p < .05 (p=.04); p < .01 (p=.02)

Corrections Today | Winter 2024-2025

34