DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Rachel Sumner

MSW

Juvenile Incarceration: Implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interventions to Reduce Recidivism

Concentration - Clinical Social Work

Abstract

The presentation, “Juvenile Incarceration: Implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interventions to Reduce Recidivism” will examine how implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into juvenile programs can reduce juvenile recidivism, ultimately leading to a successful future in the community. Aftercare implementation, within facilities and once released, can greatly influence a juvenile’s chance of remaining a positive asset within their community. The systematic literature review describes the gaps in literature surrounding CBT implementation within juvenile facilities and their effectiveness. The conceptual paper covers four theoretical frameworks directly relating how the incorporation of these theories can impact the effectiveness of CBT interventions. The practice application paper will provide a case study utilizing the CBT intervention and how this implementation positively influenced a juveniles’ life once released. With this societal issue in mind, the need to focus on juveniles’ well-being and treatment within juvenile detention can raise awareness as well as change policies within the state of West Virginia.

Biography

Rachel Lynn Sumner is a correctional counselor in the state of West Virginia, Bureau of Juvenile Services. As a counselor, Rachel has provided individual and group therapy to juvenile offenders in a maximum-security facility as well as the current Cognitive Behavioral Therapy programs used within her facility. Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from West Virginia State University in 2020, leading her to pursue her Master in Social Work from Concord University in 2022. This commitment to continuous learning led Rachel to obtain her doctoral degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Kentucky. Rachel plans to defend her research as a doctoral candidate in April 2025, with an anticipated graduation date in May 2025. She is a member of Psi Chi, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.

Rachel’s research examines the effectiveness that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy implementation can have on juvenile offenders to reduce recidivism. Her current knowledge of the societal issue of juvenile incarceration and how therapeutic interventions can positively influence an individual, their community, and the state policies in place sparked a need to raise awareness. Through this research, Rachel continues to provide awareness and effective strategies for clinicians and administrators to support juvenile offenders on their road to a positive future.