Hart, M., Soape, E., Barlow, C., Torrech-Perez, M., Gussak, D.E. & Schubarth, A. (2023). Expanding the IDEA: Ongoing- and Evolving-Evaluation of an Art Therapy in Prisons Program. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, first published online November 26, 2023, 1-14.
Author Affiliations: Florida State University (Hart, Soape, Barlow, Torrech-Perez, Gussak), Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee (Schubarth)
Artforms: Art therapy, drawing, visual arts
Program: Florida State University/Florida Department of Corrections Art Therapy in Prisons Program
Program Description: Art therapy services for prisoners with emotional and behavioral disabilities to help them overcome educational struggles
Program (Study) Location: Nine state prisons in Florida
Study Published: November 26, 2023
Participant Type: Male and female prisoners, ages ~18-49 (*This study included both adult and juvenile prisoners.)
Sample Size: 308
Data Type: Empirical, descriptive and qualitative inquiry of inmates’ participation incorporating progress notes from art therapists, semi-structured discussions with institutional personnel and participants, disciplinary reports
Evaluation Focus: To “increase program participation and decrease incident and disciplinary reports, [thus] removing the impediments that make obtaining an education inside the institution challenging.
Summary of Impact: Results varied by institution but overall researchers noted decreases in all categories of disciplinary reports while prisoners participated in the program versus when they did not. Type and number of settings was expanded
KEYWORDS: academic, adult, art therapy, attendance, drawing, disciplinary reports, education, juvenile, visual arts
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