Spectrum’s Director of Female Services Jennifer Zachary joined a panel of experts from the Massachusetts Department of Correction (MA DOC) and Northpointe, Inc. for a recent presentation at the American Correctional Association’s (ACA) 146th Congress of Correction held in Boston. The presentation entitled, “Pathways to Change: A Blueprint for Developing Successful Gender-Specific, Trauma-Informed Correctional Programs” showcased the new evidence-based approach to female correctional services now being utilized in Massachusetts.
Pathways to Change is predicated on research that classifies women’s specific pathways to criminal behavior. The new approach organizes guidelines for improved assessment, management, housing, classification, treatment and reentry protocols into a single, integrated approach to managing and treating the MA DOC female offender population throughout their stay. New treatment tracks allow the Department to provide evidence-based treatment designed to address each offender’s specific pathway, streamline treatment services, and allocate resources based on risks and needs.
“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to share the Pathways Model with other corrections professionals,” stated Ms. Zachary. “This innovative new model has the potential to re-conceptualize female offender services for Departments of Correction across the country and is only possible thanks to extensive collaboration between Spectrum, the MA DOC and Northpointe.”
Launched in 2015, Pathways to Change has served 941 individuals as of July 2016. Results are consistently aligned with two pilot studies and extensive research of female offender assessment and classification pathways into the criminal justice system.
Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit substance abuse and mental health treatment provider. The organization currently treats 80,000 individuals each year through more than 140 programs in community-based settings and correctional institutions throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington State.
CONTACT:
Cindy Buraczynski, Vice President of External Affairs
(508) 792-5400 x7115
cindy.buraczynski@spectrumhealthsystems.org
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