Thinking for a Change (T4C)

In need of Facilitator Training!

Brenda Carney — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:26:18 GMT

Does anyone know of upcoming facilitator training for T4C? Preferably closer to the West Coast (Oregon), but will consider ANYWHERE! Fairly urgent to get the training, as we're losing one of our facilitators that was supposed to start a program in January. Feel free to contact me Brenda.Carney@co.columbia.or.us Thanks so much!

Monthly Posting on Upcoming NIC Sponsored Thinking for A Change Facilitator Programs

Leslie LeMaster — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:12:24 GMT

Hello All!

Beginning November 3, 2009, I will post monthly (on or around the first of each month) to this forum any upcoming Thinking for A Change facilitator training opportunities that we know of through our Academy Division Technical Assistance work at NIC. I will post information on only those T4C opportunities to which the requesting agency is open to having participants from other agencies included in the training.

In the posts will be the basic information you will need to know - the scheduled dates, proposed location (city or town), the requesting agency contact name and their telephone number.

At that point, we invite you to contact them directly for information specific to the event.

Best Regards,

Leslie LeMaster

Thinking for a Change- Pre & Post Tests

AZProbation — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:55:00 GMT

Hi Everyone, We were wondering if anyone has created or has pre & post tests for the Thinking for a Change program. Thanks!

T4C---Certification

Lank Simmons — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:31:37 GMT

My name is Lank Simmons and I am an Assistant Supervisor with Brazorai County CSCD in Angleton, Texas. I am interested in getting certified to teach the T4C class. If anybody knows of a Certification class, please let me know...............Thanks, Lank

Thinking for a Change for Juveniles

Bill Wolff — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:44:11 GMT

We are thinking of implementing Thinking for a Change at our juvenile residential treatment facility. Does anybody know of other juvenile facilities that are utilizing this approach?

Poor examples for role play and homework

John Geras — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:41:24 GMT

I currently deliver the T4C lessons at the APA Parole office and have been having difficulty getting the participants to use good examples for homework and role play in group. I don’t want to force them to role play a situation I think is better but I am getting tired of hearing excuses used when they are coming up with very poor examples of situations when in fact I know that they are having police contact and dealing with situations where a persons feelings are not the only thing that are getting hurt. How do I get the offenders to bring up the real thinking errors? Or should I just go with what they are giving?

Thinking for a Change Advanced Curriculum- August 24- Philadelphia

Bernie Iszler — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:27:02 GMT

The Northeast Region and NIC will be hosting an Advanced Curriculum training for Thinking for a Change August 24-28. Please see attachment for details and application process.

Updated curriculum - T4C

Janet Dowling — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:30:51 GMT

Is there any word on when the updated curriculum might be released?

Thinking for a Change Training

L.Layton — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:10:14 GMT

Northeast Region RFC host Thinking for a Change in Dover Delaware Sept 8-12. Training Announcement: NORTHEAST REGION National Institute of Corrections Presents: THINKING for a CHANGE This is a 32 hour advanced level training program that will prepare participants to facilitate offender groups utilizing the Thinking for a Change program. Thinking for a Change (T4C) is an integrated, cognitive behavior change program designed for offenders and delivered in small group settings. It includes cognitive restructuring, and the development of social and problem solving skills over 22 basic lessons with the capacity for unlimited continuing lessons to meet the particular needs of each group of participants. Target: Probation Officers &/or Counselors responsible for leading offender groups in the Thinking for Change program When: Sept. 8-Sept. 11 (9:00 am – 4:30 pm) Where: Delaware Department of Correction Administration Building 245 McKee Rd. Dover, DE 19904 Registration: fill out the NIC form A application and fax or email to Beth Reidy at: Fax- 302-739-5751 or email elizabeth.reidy@state.de.us Lodging and meals are the responsibility of the participants. Lodging is available at: Dover Downs Hotel 1131 North DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901 1-800-711-5882 When making reservations ask for the group rate for Delaware Department of Correction. If further info is needed contact Beth Reidy @ 302-857-5298 or Louise Layton @ 302-857-5291.

Resistance.

Vask — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:30:02 GMT

I have started facilitating my first T4C program in the prison setting. The largest resistance I have noticed is with the individuals who say "nothing happened" when asked why the could not complete their thinking check in. I also have one individual who is in self-proclaimed "emotional shut down" and states that he cannot open that box of thoughts or emotions because they will flood out. Any tips on how to deal with these participants?

Thinking for a change in .ppt format

stepbill — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:46:27 GMT

Does anyone know if instead of making the overhead transparencies, if this out in the power point format to use on a computer? If so, where can I get it. Thanks for the help!!!!

Adolescent T4C in California

taymans — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:58:03 GMT

I am working with Orange County Juvenile programs. They are interested in contacting other juvenile programs in California using T4C. I would appareciate information on contact information for any adolescent programs using T4C. Thanks - Juliana Taymans

Looking for T4C Train-the-Trainers

Les Carter — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:29:46 GMT

I am in New York (NYSDOCS) and we're looking for an T4C Facilitator(s) to conduct several trainings over the next six-months. Do you know of anyone I can contact? - Les

T4C Looking for an upcoming T4C Training.

Sandy Day — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:08:30 GMT

I'm interested in using this as part of Substance Abuse Services at Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold, NJ. Would appreciate any information. Thanks! Sandy Day

Research

taymans — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 12:16:07 GMT

I am working on a research grant in collaboration with Barry and Jack to develop an adolescent version of T4C. I would welcome input from those of you who use or supervise the program with adolescents regarding your experiences of what you think works well and modifications to be considered.

I am also interested in collecting any research or evaluation studies on T4C. I understand that some evaluations have been conducted. This information, based either on adult or juvenile populations would be helpful.

If the grant is funded, I will keep the listserv informed of opportunities to participate in grant activities.

Juliana Taymans

T4C Training Opporunity- T4C Advanced Practicum

Steve Swisher — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:42:42 GMT

Announcing the availability of several open seats in the upcoming Thinking for a Change: Advanced Training Practicum (T4T) sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections and to be hosted by the Kansas Department of Corrections near Kansas City, KS. The training session is scheduled for 4 days, September 22-25, 2008. To be eligible for the training, individuals must be trained in the Thinking for a Change (T4C) program and have facilitated the program with offenders, completing at least one full cycle of the program. This eligibility requirement is strictly enforced. Completion of this training program qualifies individuals to train other staff to facilitate the T4C program.

For more details, and/or to apply for the training, please contact Peggy Bryan, KDOC, at 785-296-8991, PeggyB@doc.ks.gov

Thinking 4 Change

CindyRea — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:22:35 GMT

Our facility is small, 20 beds, and provides the secure care custody (operated under Dept. of Corrections/Youth Services Division) for adjudicated adolescent female offenders for the State of Montana. We are the only facility of this kind for the state. Average length of stay is 8 months.All are adjudicated on either Misdemeanor or Felony offenses. Offenses are rarely at the level of Felony against Person of any type. We are in the process of reviewing our programing and updating it. I am interested in the T4C program, but have some questions/concerns. I have been researching thoughts regarding cognitive behavioral therapy, and am currently reading "Cognitive Behavioral INterventions for At-Risk Youth" by Dr. Glick. However, I am also very invested in trying to make sure any programing we do is gender responsive, and focuses on the risk/needs research is showing important when doing gender responsive programing. Some of the risk/needs are obviously the same for at risk/boys and girls, some are the same however with different degress of impact, and then there are some differences. In reading info on T4C, I don't see any discussion regarding this subject.

My first question is does T4C work equally well for boy and girls? Are there cognitive behaviorl therapy programs out there that have been developed specifically for adolecent females?

My second question is regarding the recommended "closed" format of the programming. Because we are so small, and have only one casemanger, and have girls coming and going monthly, thus far all our programing is "open". WE currently do a variety of groups, some facilitated by the casemanger, some by the CD counselor, and some by direct care staff. Right now, our schedule only allows for one group a day, and that group is part of the daily schedule for all girls (except the CD group, if a girl does not assess as needing CD TX, she does not attend that group, this is only ever 1 or 2 out of the population).

What are others' experiences with providing "closed" groups in a very small facility with fairly short lengths of stay, while ensuring that all the population has a chance to get the programming while at the facility?

Looking for Upcoming T4C Facilitators Training

Leslie LeMaster — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:43:13 GMT

Hello All!

Can you help Tracy Cunningham in Ohio? She is desperately looking for an upcoming T4C facilitators training for herself and one other staff member to attend.

Here is what she is interested in:

"Hi Leslie

We spoke a few months ago about T4C. At the time, we were considering having the NIC come in and work with us on revamping quite a few things, then training our staff in T4C. Since then, we have worked on some things in house and see progress. I am still desperate to find a T4C facilitators training for myself and another staff member. We are more than willing to travel although closer to Ohio the better i guess. Do you know of anyone, anywhere holding a training? We were registered to go to the training academy in PA this week, however, they cancelled their training. Do you have any teams going out to do trainings, perhaps we could convince that facility to let us join? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time, Tracy Cunningham Eastern Ohio Correction Center 1 800 375 9440 ext 107, tcunningham@cbcf41.org "

Call or reply directly to Tracy if you can help!

T4C Assessment

Jennifer Persons — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:49:20 GMT

Hello,

I currently facilitate Thinking for a Change and was wondering if anyone uses a tool to assess if a client has learned anything after completing T4C? I'm looking for a standardized measure of behavioral and/or knowledge based changes.

Thanks,

Jennifer Kisela (Persons)

T4C Facilitators

joelfolsom — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:47:25 GMT

I am looking for T4C facilitators who are in or will travel (time and expenses paid obviously) to Sacramento California. I would like to have approximately three staff receive training to be trainers. I appreciate anyones assistance.

Thinking for a Change target population

Hartwell Dowling — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:30:07 GMT

I would like to use the NIC curriculum, Thinking for a Change, with community corrections clients in a problem solving court. These clients have mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Has this curriculum been normed or adapted for this population? Thank you.

Welcome to the T4C Forum - Read Me First

Steve Swisher — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 16:22:27 GMT

Welcome to the Thinking for a Change (T4C) Forum

Thank you for choosing to participate in the T4C forum. We welcome your involvement in information exchange to promote effective implementation and delivery of the program with offender groups. This public forum is moderated by staff of the National Institute of Corrections to ensure its performance as a valuable and reliable source of information.

Guidelines: Appropriate Content

Please respect the Community and fellow members by keeping discussions on topic and relevant. For details, please review the Terms of Service and Privacy Information. We look forward to your postings!

Steve Swisher
Correctional Program Specialist
NIC Academy Division
800-995-6429 x 126

About Thinking for a Change

The National Institute of Corrections provides the Thinking for a Change program as only one option correctional agencies may consider as they develop their continuum of programmatic interventions to address the diverse and multiple cognitive, social, and emotional needs of the increasingly difficult correctional population. If you would like additional information about the program you contact Steve Swisher.

Program History

In December 1997, NIC introduced a new integrated cognitive behavior change program for offenders and sought a limited number of state, local or federal correctional agencies to serve as field test sites for the Thinking for a Change (T4C) program. An overwhelming response from the correction's community seeking participation in the project necessitated immediate program expansion and the inclusion of a much broader scope of participation for the field test. Since its introduction, correctional agencies in over forty (40) states have implemented Thinking for a Change with offender populations. These agencies include state correctional systems, local jails, community based corrections programs, and probation and parole departments. The offender populations included in the project represent both adults and juveniles, and males and females. Over five thousand (5000+) correctional staff have been trained to facilitate offender groups. Nearly five hundred (500) individuals have participated in the Thinking for a Change: Advanced Practicum (Training of Trainers) which enables their agency to train additional facilitators to deliver the program.

As research of the effectiveness of the program continues to mount, so does the interest from the correctional community to adopt a quality evidenced-based cognitive behavioral change program.

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Philisophical Foundation for the Curriculum

The Thinking for a Change curriculum uses as its core, a problem solving component, embellished by both cognitive restructuring and social skills interventions. While each of the concepts are presented systemically, the participant quickly learns and appreciates that cognitive restructuring does require some cognitive skills methods, as does cognitive skills require an objective, systematic approach to identify thinking, beliefs, attitudes, and values. The Cognitive Restructuring concepts are introduced and emphasized during the initial nine lessons of the program, interspersed with targeted critical social skills that support the cognitive restructuring process. This is followed by the problem solving techniques (lessons 16-21), again supported by appropriate social skills to embellish that concept. Simultaneously, the problem solving portions of the curriculum relies upon the restructuring concepts and techniques already introduced to the participants, thereby integrating all three approaches. By the time participants reach the 12^th lesson of the program, the cognitive restructuring techniques are so ingrained in their repertoire of competencies, that it is no longer required to be emphasized as a separate entity, becoming second nature to the offender participant. By the 22^nd lesson, participants are ready to evaluate themselves using a skills checklist, in order to develop their own cognitive skills (advanced) curriculum.

The Thinking for a Change Curriculum is comprised of 22 lessons with a capacity to extend the program indefinitely, depending upon how many cognitive skills are taught. It is recommended that the group meet for an additional ten sessions which is based upon the self evaluations each participant completes in the 22^nd lesson. These additional skills are the result of further assessment of the skill deficits for each participant, and then aggregated across the entire group. In this way, each group member is invested and empowered to participate in their own learning and self development, providing a forum for continued skill and cognitive development.

Each lesson is formatted similarly. It begins with a summary and rationale section in which the scope, breadth, and reason for teaching the lesson is provided. This if followed by concepts and definitions, which outline the key points for the lesson and any definitions necessary for the trainer to facilitate the lesson. The lesson objectives are then outlined, followed by major activities in the lesson. Any supplemental material, equipment and materials are listed. The content of the lesson is then detailed. Within each lesson, there are both suggested trainer scripts in which at least the fundamental and required information is provided. There are also specific trainer notes given in parallel columns which further embellish the training script.

Participants should be pre-screened after a brief individual interview. Such a meeting which need take no more than fifteen minutes, should set the tone of the learning sessions, direct and focus the participant to their need for the program, and affirm the expectation that positive participation would greatly enhance their options.

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Target Audience

The program was developed to be appropriate for a wide-range of offender groups. It has been used with juvenile and adult offenders. It has been implemented in all phases of the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems including pre-incarceration (Probation), in prisons and jails, as well as in community (Aftercare and Parole). The format of Thinking for A Change is designed so that sessions are accessible and meaningful for offenders of varying social, emotional and intellectual/academic abilities. The self-insight and interpersonal skills offenders learn in Thinking for A Change are also applicable to other treatment programs, either provided simultaneously or consecutively with Thinking for a Change.

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Assessment Strategies

The curriculum incorporates assessment as a part of each lesson. Offenders learn how to report on situations that could lead to criminal behavior and to identify their thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs that may lead them to offending. Participants learn how to write and use a thinking report as a means to determine their awareness of their risk thinking that leads them into trouble. Within the Social Skills component of Thinking for a Change, offenders try using the newly demonstrated social skill in role-play situations. After each role-play the group discusses and assesses how well the offender did in following the steps of the social skilled being learned. The offender practices the newly acquired skill during the time before the next group session in order to practice using it in an actual real-life situation. They report how well they did (how well they used the steps of the skill) in a written homework sheet to be completed and brought to the next social skill group session.

Offenders apply problem-solving steps to problems in their own lives. This application is done both in class and as homework. Role-plays, problem scenario discussions and homework applications provide assessment information on each offender's ability to problem solve.

The Thinking for a Change program culminates in an individual assessment of skill use . Using a structured learning skills checklist, program participants self-report their use of 50 social skills, using a Likert type scale. They also engage a person who knows them well to rate them on the same set of skills. Based on information from these sources, a class profile of social skills most offenders need is developed. These skills comprise the curriculum of topics for additional lessons.

Beyond assessments that are incorporated within the curriculum and within lessons, there are efforts to collect program evaluation data to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the Thinking for a Change Program. Several jurisdictions, both State and Municipal have initiated evaluations on the program. However, there has not been a coordinated effort yet. The National Institute of Corrections has initiated a multi-site evaluation that will test the efficacy and efficiencies of the program. These will include both process and outcome variables that test program integrity, and its effects on skill acquisition, perspective taking, and reduction in criminal thinking and action. Recidivism will also be measured as a distal variable of interest.

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Size of Groups

The ideal group size is between 8 to 12 individuals. Thinking for A Change is a highly interactive Cognitive Behavior program. Feedback is central to the process of developing Cognitive Behavior skills. The feedback process is greatly hindered as group size increases. The larger the group size, the greater the challenge to ensure that all group members participate productively.

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Program Delivery

Thinking for A Change follows guidelines for most Cognitive Behavior programs. Sessions should be offered at least twice a week with the option of offering more sessions if time allows. No more than one lesson should be taught in a day. Course participants need time between sessions to identify problem situations, examine their thinking, and practice new skills. Sessions should last between one and two hours depending on the size of the group, time of day, availability of break time, and attention span of participants.

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Curriculum Flexibility

Thinking for A Change is designed to be a close-ended group. The lessons are sequential, therefore it is necessary for all participants to begin with lesson 1 and proceed in order. In high turn over situations or situations where offenders are moved to different facilities, lessons 10 and 16 could be considered lessons where groups could be combined.
is designed to be a close-ended group. The lessons are sequential, therefore it is necessary for all participants to begin with lesson 1 and proceed in order. In high turn over situations or situations where offenders are moved to different facilities, lessons 10 and 16 could be considered lessons where groups could be combined.

The program is designed to be continued after Lesson 21. Lesson 22 provides information so that participants could negotiate further skill development based upon their own self-assessments. Lesson 22 also offers suggestions for other types of programs that would help course participants extend their skills to other treatment programs.

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Thinking for a change after care

beth — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:51:15 GMT

I am a Correctional Counselor in Iowa I am wondering if anyone has developed an aftercare program for Thinking for a Change? I would appreciate any assistance any one can offer. Thank you

Top issues in corrections? You tell us!

National Institute of Corrections — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:08:26 GMT

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking your opinion to identify the top issues in corrections. The survey is anonymous and should not take more than 5-15 minutes to complete. Your opinion is important and NIC thanks you for your time and willingness to contribute to this important project.

Click here to begin the survey

If the above link is not working for you, try to copy this link into your browser:
http://nicic.org/Community/NA08

Thinking for a Change

Frank D. Marcino Jr. — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:01:44 GMT

I am looking for a training on becoming a T4C facilitator trainer. I have recently completed the facilitator training and would like to become a trainer myself.