How can we ask justice-impacted people to work on their education or employment if they haven’t healed from or addressed individual and systemic trauma?
In order to support our participants with their individual goals, the Master Plan Program first leads students through an understanding of the neurobiological effects of trauma—and how resilience, personal agency and community can help individuals to begin to heal.
the master plan program combines
trauma-informed care with a credible messenger model
Why should justice-impacted people trust those without lived experience about how to succeed during and after incarceration?
The CWF is committed to empowering the voices and leadership of those with lived experience in the criminal justice system. We employ a credible messenger model and only hire formerly incarcerated people to run Master Plan Program discusion sessions.
Husayn Taylor, current MD Program Facilitator:
“In respect to my mental health going through the training, reading the book and exchanging thoughts with experienced facilitators has been a very encouraging experience. I’ve gained confidence with the idea of being more open with my story and how that could potentially help others. Simply put, the Foundation has provided me with two fundamental things: The first is purpose and the second accomplishment.”
WHY CREDIBLE MESSENGERS WORK
The Chris Wilson Foundation's mentoring methods, firmly established in the Credible Messenger Model, leverage the lived experiences of individuals who have undergone significant life changes during or after their incarceration. Our Credible Messengers, who serve as Master Plan Program Discussion Group Facilitators, possess not only unique stories of personal transformation but also have deep-rooted community credibility and honed mentoring and relational skills. This unique combination makes them powerful agents of change within correctional institutions, reentry programs, and community-based initiatives.
As Master Plan Program Facilitators, Credible Messengers lead trauma-informed care groups, providing a safe space for individuals to heal and rebuild their lives. This specialized approach recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals and communities, offering tailored support that fosters resilience and empowers participants to overcome adversity.
Interested to learn more or to become a Facilitator with our Program? Download our Credible Messenger Model Outline here.
Why trauma-informed care in carceral spaces
The Office of Justice Programs notes that as many as 70% of justice-impacted youths have diagnosable mental health problems, often due to histories of trauma, while 48% of the overall incarceration population suffers from PTSD.
However, despite the need for mental health resources, the majority of incarcerated individuals lack access to high-quality treatment for their trauma.
In order to break the cycle of incarceration and the heal communities of color most impacted, research suggests that holistic programs which feature social emotional wellness curriculums, group-based mentorship formats, and an awareness of trauma and behavioral health needs are essential to a successful reentry experience.
The Master Plan Program aims to support student’s healing from trauma in three key areas:
Finding a Sense of Purpose
Developing Control Over Your Own Life and Circumstances
Building Healthy Relationships