Exploring the Impact of the Segregation Intervention Initiative on Offender Outcomes

Administrative Segregation (AS) is the correctional practice of removing offenders from the general inmate population, and relocating them to an isolated cell for up to 23 hours a day. This is done for the safety and security of the individual or the institution. There are concerns around the use of AS including its impact on mental health and the lack of access to services for offenders. The purpose of the Segregation Intervention (SI) is to help transition offenders out of AS and to change problem behaviours. The current study explored the impact of the SI with data drawn from a Canadian sample of offenders. SI participants (n = 292) were 2 times more likely to participate in and complete correctional programs within a 6-month follow-up period, compared to a matched group of non-participants (n = 292). SI participants were also 1.5 times more likely to be employed by the institutions.