Frontline recently completed the first year of assisting Merchants Quay Ireland, in conjunction with the Irish Prison Service, with delivering the Treatment and Recovery Programme (TARP).
The purpose of TARP is to provide participants from the prison with rehabilitation and addiction support, in preparation for their release from prison.
The 7-week group programme runs in the medical unit of Mountjoy Prison on a continuous basis and consists of 9 participants from the prison. Since its launch in March 2023, Frontline has been involved in running 5 separate groups, with all participants receiving certificates of completion.
TARP aims to provide participants who complete the programme with specific strategies and approaches, to prepare them for successful reintegration into society upon release. Participants learn practical skills related to relapse prevention, problem-solving, refusal skills, self-esteem development, and maintaining a support network. Through structured discussions, role-playing exercises, and case studies, participants gain tools and knowledge to navigate the challenges they may face during their transition to change.
Approaches and Strategies:
– The Wheel of Change
– Education and awareness about addiction
– Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
– Motivational Interviewing (MI)
– Relapse prevention strategies
– SMART Goals
– Recovery capital
– Solution focused therapy
By implementing evidence-based approaches and strategies and collaborating with the Irish Prison Service and addiction counsellors, we support individuals in their journey toward recovery. We work together to bring about positive change in the lives of incarcerated individuals and our communities.
What participants of TARP have to say about the programme:
“Considering we are in prison, the right approach was taken, e.g. no trauma, no confrontation, and the stuff we did learn will be so vital to us all.”
“I thought the group was well run and the facilitators were very compassionate and easy to relate to.”
“I enjoyed the group. Everything was covered, it was enjoyable, and I learned good life skills.”
One Comment