At Beccarian Correctional Care, we are focused on a rehabilitative approach to correctional care.
Beccarian is committed to reducing recidivism and enhancing the rehabilitation process through innovative care models that address the complex needs of incarcerated men and women.
Our approach uses the community-as-method therapeutic model, mobilizing group dynamics to foster responsibility, accountability, and healthy relationships.
Our programs extend beyond the treatment of addictions to foster personal growth, enhance recovery capital, and prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society.
Therapeutic Living Units (TLUs): TLUs provide a structured, supportive environment where members engage in intensive treatment programs. These rehabilitation programs, situated in four Alberta correctional facilities, help break the cycle of addiction and reduce criminal and medical recidivism by focusing on physical health, mental health, and social reintegration strategies.
TLU staff complete a comprehensive training program with ongoing educational modules. Beccarian TLU staff are referred to as behavioral health navigators (BHN), aligning with their scope of work. BHNs work collaboratively with Correction Services Division correctional service workers (CSW) with an ultimate goal of enhancing members’ recovery capital and maximizing the opportunity for social reintegration.
Transitional Service (TS) Programs: TS programs are designed to create pathways from incarceration to in-facility treatment and then community reintegration. These programs ensure continuity of care and support members as they transition from the structured environment of a correctional facility back into the community.
TS programs are currently situated in five Alberta remand centres. Beccarian works collaboratively with the Correctional Services Division (CSD), Recovery Alberta and other correctional based providers with the ultimate goal of reducing members’ risk of criminal and medical recidivism and improving recovery capital.
Transitional service workers are referred to as recovery navigators, reflecting their scope of work. Recovery navigators complete a four-week intensive training program, including training to qualify as a certified recovery coach. The primary role of a recovery navigator is to enhance continuity of care. They provide motivational interviewing and solutions-focused approaches and facilitate referrals to therapeutic living units, recovery communities, and other community support services.
Comprehensive Support Services: We offer a range of services including vocational training, family reintegration support, advocacy assistance, and relapse prevention planning, all crucial for successful reentry into society.
System Level Scoping and Design: As a first step with any new correctional facility partner, we engage in system-level scoping and design to tailor our programs to fit seamlessly across a health system. This strategic planning ensures that our model integrates effectively and addresses specific local needs. We integrate our approach in correctional settings with a range of educational programs, therapeutic communities, recovery coaching services, and other system-wide strategies to create a true, longitudinal continuum of care.
Recovery capital refers to the internal and external resources an individual has available to initiate and maintain recovery. Our programs are designed to build and augment the personal, social and community resources that each individual brings to our treatment centres in order to enhance their recovery journey.
Personal Recovery Capital: Personal recovery capital refers to the tangible and intangible resources and capacities at the individual level that are supportive of recovery, including a range of material resources and personal characteristics. Building personal recovery capital includes fostering better health habits, developing self-care practices, and enhancing emotional resilience. Beccarian provides tools and training that help individuals manage stress, improve decision-making, and build a positive self-image.
Social Recovery Capital: Social recovery capital refers to all the instrumental and expressive social capital that is accessible to the recovering individual through their relationships and social networks. Beccarian recognizes the critical role families, relationships, and communities play in the rehabilitation and recovery process. Our programs encourage the development of supportive networks that include peers, family, and positive social connections. Our strong focus on group therapy sessions and peer-led activities strengthen interpersonal skills and community ties.
Community Recovery Capital: Community recovery capital consists of all the recovery-supportive resources that are available to recovering individuals in their community, such as recovery treatment, recovery-supportive policies and attitudes, and recovery supportive environments. Beccarian views community as the primary instrument in providing pathways of recovery. We recognize that recovery capital primary flows from the community to the individual. Beccarian facilitates engagement with community services, support groups, and vocational opportunities that support ongoing recovery and integration into society.
Beccarian’s programs are tailored to meet individuals’ needs because each person’s path to recovery is unique.
Our assessment processes are thorough, allowing us to design personalized treatment plans that address the specific challenges and goals of each individual. This customized approach ensures that everyone receives the most appropriate and effective intervention, which may include:
Beccarian uses the community-as-method therapeutic model. This model harnesses group dynamics to foster responsibility, accountability, and healthy relationships among members which, in turn, promotes successful reintegration.
Members participate in daily activities, community governance, and mutual support processes that foster a sense of responsibility, accountability, and belonging. These experiences are crucial for learning the social norms and healthy relationships vital for successful community reintegration.
Role Modelling: Senior members and staff members serve as role models, demonstrating positive behaviors and providing guidance to newer members.
Shared Responsibilities: Engaging in community responsibilities helps individuals learn the value of teamwork, discipline, and contribution, reinforcing the principles of mutual aid and cooperation.
Our programs have consistently been shown to reduce criminal and medical recidivism, enhance the safety and well-being of incarcerated populations, and decrease the overall costs associated with crime and re-incarceration.
Research has consistently demonstrated that the most effective method of achieving these outcomes is providing treatment for substance use disorders among incarcerated people. The Beccarian model augments outcomes by offering a data driven, recovery-oriented approach focused on enhancing recovery capital.