From ACEs to Action: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Mitigating Harm in Correctional Settings (PID111)

2pm – 2.30pm GMT+03:00, 28 October 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Thematic Workshop Sessions

This session presents findings from a large-scale analysis of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among incarcerated individuals in a rural Western state. Drawing on data from over 1,500 adults admitted to the state's correctional system between 2020 and 2022, this study identifies a high prevalence of childhood trauma in the population and demonstrates significant associations between ACE scores and in-prison misconduct, and to a lesser extent ACE scores and reincarceration.

In addition to the empirical results, this session will highlight the implementation of two key trauma mitigation initiatives: trauma-focused interventions for incarcerated individuals and trauma-informed training for staff. The session will include implementation challenges related to each and qualitative and quantitative data on outcomes.

Together, this research and applied interventions offer a model for how correctional agencies can shift from punitive frameworks to trauma-responsive approaches that promote safety, rehabilitation and long-term community reintegration.
 
Moderated by Luke Grant, Deputy Commissioner, Corrective Services New South Wales, Australia