2021 COMBAT Funding: $77,000.00

In Center for Conflict Resolution's Own Words

Breaking Cycles of Violence (BCV) is a reentry program that bridges gaps from incarceration to community supervision to release. The program continues the conflict resolution, restorative justice and trauma training for residents and staff at the Kansas City Reentry Center (KCRC).

Building on the successful components of BCV, this year the Center for Conflict Resolution will add another element to bring the people who have caused harm together—when and where possible—with people who have been harmed to foster healing. People who have caused harm often become trapped in cycles of violence that affect their whole lives and the lives of others around them.  

BCV addresses CCR training and processes that are trauma-informed and utilize-evidence based cognitive behavior change elements to improve thoughts, emotions and behavior. The training and restorative justice processes help participants find positive ways to deal with conflict before it escalates to violence. CCR program evaluation shows that the center is successful at interrupting cycles of violence.  

3 Interconnected Interventions

The project design has three distinct but interconnected interventions.

PART 1 (Existing component): Residents at KCRC will participate in CORE conflict resolution skill building, restorative justice principles, and trauma awareness and resilience workshops.  Graduates continue into the ADVANCED CORE classes that deepen understanding and incorporate practical application of the same principles taught in basic CORE. Using activities and concepts gained in graduate level work in RJ and conflict transformation, participants solidify their cognitive change for greater success after incarceration.

Additionally, KCRC staff will receive a two-day interactive version of the same CORE training only (slightly modified to address staff specific issues). Our goal is to train all of the KCRC staff in the CORE curriculum.

This phase continues and expands the staff training in conflict resolution, restorative practices and trauma.  Staff are trained in the same CORE curriculum taught to residents (only slightly modified to address staff specific issues).  Staff learn how to model and infuse rj principles, thereby improving daily interactions with residents and other staff.

PART 2 (Expanded component): In 2019 the Kansas City Reentry Center (KCRC) partnered with CCR to begin creating a Restorative Reentry Community (RRC) within a housing facility in their facility.  The RRC is similar to an honor dorm, but focuses on human dignity, emotional wellness, skill building and prosocial behavior.  Ongoing circles of support increase positive outcomes.

Full implementation of this component was delayed due to Covid19, however, the framework for the project continued to be revised and refined to fit KCRC and MO DOC criteria.   In this model, residents apply and interview to qualify for participation in the RRC.  Participants then employ elements of the CORE and ADVANCED CORE training as they prepare for reentry.  Identifying gaps in service, participants work with a case manager, parole officer, reentry service providers and a CCR facilitator to plan their successful transition.  Reentry Circles bring together (where possible) the resident in transition, their friends and family members, their case manager and PO and anyone else that may assist them in  completing a successful reentry.

PART 3 (Expanded component): CCR joins with community corrections partners to engage with formerly incarcerated individuals that struggle with issues when transitioning from prison to home. Issues of homelessness, joblessness, and familial conflict can contribute to ongoing trauma and cycles of violence. CCR partners with Probation and Parole to offer ReThink Conflict: A New Approach to Anger Management classes and Support Circles. ReThink looks at anger through a conflict lens and addresses the root causes, in an effort to change thoughts and behavior. CCR facilitated Support Circles provide a safe space for participants to address issues without fear of retribution or negative consequences. Both of these programs aid people on community supervision on their reentry journey.