Breaking the Chrysalis: Leadership Development as a Trauma-Informed Approach to Support Women Inmates in Reentry and Reduce Recidivism
Breaking the Chrysalis: Leadership Development as a Trauma-Informed Approach to Support Women Inmates in Reentry and Reduce Recidivism
Janet Garcia | 2025
Abstract
The Be Set Free Curriculum Program, A Journey of Transformation, Purpose, and Lasting Change to Rebuild Your Life is a faith-based leadership development program as a trauma-informed approach to facilitate the reentry of female inmates and reduce recidivism. The impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) on incarcerated individuals, emphasizes the role of structured leadership training in the journey of rehabilitation through evaluation of contemporary studies and best practices. The introduction of entrepreneurial and organizational leadership principles within correctional facilities not only provides individuals with the necessary skills for post-release success but also addresses deeply rooted trauma.
A vital discovery in this research was made at The National Alliance on Mental Health Convention (NAMI)1, which revealed the correlation between trauma, mental health, and the incarceration of men and women in repetitive generational cycles of dysfunction. The biblical perspective on iniquity, as described in Exodus 20:5, highlights the role of generational curses visited by God through the forefathers but merciful to generations beyond the brokenness to reduce recidivism and future dysfunctions. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ provides a redemptive pathway to restoration and blessings in Isaiah 53:5, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; The punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, And by His stripes (wounds) we are healed.”2 The biblical examples from the lineage of King David and his immediate family dysfunctions such as evil desires, evil influences, lust, selfishness, hatred, rebellions, and suffering (1 Samuel 13:1-39, NKJV).3 Also, “and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,” (Luke 8:2, NKJV).4 Demons defined as other malevolent forces causing diseases, temptations, possessions, or other forms of harm to humans.5
This program implies that the provision of scientific and spiritual insights to inmates regarding their past traumas could significantly reduce recidivism rates. Formerly incarcerated individuals may overcome destructive cycles and embrace a future of stability and purpose through combining biblical restoration principles (Galatians 6:1; Isaiah 61) with personal leadership development. In the Preparation Phase, when gleaning from the Caterpillar, individuals gather wisdom, heal, and prepare for transformation. This is a stage of development and learning. The Chrysalis Transformation Phase is a period of profound internal transformation during which old behaviors are broken down and a new purpose is established. Lastly, the Butterfly is in the Empowerment Phase, a stage of development and resolve in which individuals embrace freedom, purpose, and inspire others. The practical strategies for faith-based trauma-informed transformation, leadership-driven reentry programs that have the potential to transform correctional programs, communities, and lives.
Keywords: Leadership Development, Trauma-Informed Reentry, Recidivism Reduction, Generational Healing, Faith-Based Rehabilitation
1The National Alliance for Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://events.nami.org/namicon/
2Biblegateway.com. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2053%3A5&version=AMP
3New King James Version. The Spirit-Filled Life Bible. 3rd Ed. (2018). Thomas Nelson
4Ibid.
5Deliriumsrealm.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.deliriumsrealm.com/demons/