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Article
Publication date: 9 April 2018

Gangs and groups: the impact on therapeutic processes

Geraldine Ann Akerman

The purpose of this paper is to consider the impact having been in a gang has on being in a group in a democratic therapeutic community (DTC). In particular what…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the impact having been in a gang has on being in a group in a democratic therapeutic community (DTC). In particular what characteristics attract (in this case) males to join a gang and or group, and what is the impact on a DTC of having former gang members in it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a discussion paper considering the implications of the points raised above. It also includes results of research relating to the “Changing the Game” programme.

Findings

The findings result from experience of having worked in the environment, reviewing available literature, conducting research and having managed some of the issues raised. It is not a research paper but does present findings.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual paper which incorporates findings from this author and others on the impact of gangs in a DTC. There is limited research in this area and so much is drawn from findings in other settings.

Originality/value

Little is written on the impact of having been in a gang and the dynamics that introduces in a forensic DTC. Therefore, it is hoped that it will encourage further research in this area.

Details

Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-09-2017-0025
ISSN: 0964-1866

Keywords

  • Therapeutic communities
  • Violence
  • Groups
  • Trauma
  • Group processes
  • Gangs

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Article
Publication date: 4 November 2020

Social distancing in a social therapy environment

Geraldine Ann Akerman, Emily Jones, Harry Talbot and Gemma Grahame-Wright

This paper aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a prison-based therapeutic community (TC).

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a prison-based therapeutic community (TC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a case study where the authors reflect on their current practice, using the findings of research on social isolation and the overarching TC principles to explore the effect of the pandemic on the TC at HMP Grendon. The authors consider how the residents and staff adjusted to the change as the parameters changed when the social distancing rules were imposed and how they adapted to the prolonged break to therapy. Sections in the paper were written by a resident and an operational member of staff. The authors conclude with their thoughts on how to manage the consequences the lockdown has brought and start to think about what returning to “normality” might mean.

Findings

The paper describes the adjustments made by the residents and staff as the UK Government imposed the lockdown. The authors, including a resident and an operational member of staff comment on the psychological and practical impact these adjustments had. The thought is given to the idea of “recovery”, returning to “normality” and how this study can be best managed once restrictions are lifted.

Research limitations/implications

At the time of writing, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at HMP Grendon. The measures and commitment from all staff and residents in the prison to keep the prison environment safe may in part account for this. This paper explores the effects of lockdown on the emotional environment in a TC and highlights the consequences that social isolation can have on any individual. To the authors’ knowledge, there is currently no research undertaken on the impact of lockdown/social isolation on a TC. This research would be useful, as the authors postulate from reflections on current practice that the effects of the lockdown will be greater in a social therapy environment.

Originality/value

HMP Grendon started in 1962, as this time there have been no significant events that have meant the suspension of therapy for such a sustained period. It is, therefore, important that the impact of such is considered and reflected upon.

Details

Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, vol. 41 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-05-2020-0009
ISSN: 0964-1866

Keywords

  • TC history
  • Therapeutic communities
  • TC practice
  • Prisons
  • COVID-19
  • Social distancing

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