Commentary: Fostering empathy and compassion within carceral spaces

The Prison Policy Initiative's 2020 report discloses the stark reality of mass incarceration and its effects on individuals involved and their families. Over 113 million Americans are linked to someone who has been ensnared by mass incarceration, with millions more living with criminal records or current imprisonment. These numbers not only reflect the vast reach of carceral systems but also hint at the deep psychological scars left on those affected. Social workers like Laura A. Smith and UniQue C. Starks of Brooklyn confront these challenges head-on, advocating for a human centered approach within a framework that often marginalizes people.

The impact of carceral systems

Carceral systems leave psychological and emotional scars, exacerbating mental health issues among incarcerated folks and their families. Despite needing support, many within these systems feel isolated and unheard. As professionals adhering to the highest ethical standards, social workers strive to understand and mitigate these impacts by advocating for the most vulnerable and often overlooked groups.

Professionals at the forefront

Smith, who earned her doctorate from the Silver School of Social Work at New York University, specializes in working with adolescents in diversion programs. Starks, a passionate social justice advocate with a doctorate from the University of Southern California, focuses on aiding black and brown women, adolescents, and families overcome adversity related to mental health, abuse and violence. Their work in Brooklyn underscores the importance of skilled, compassionate social work within the community. Combined they have built with over 1,025 individuals within New York City and have built with over 100 organizations. Therefore, their reality is based on expertise and the reality of folks who experience life on the margin. 

A Closer look: The case of Shawn

Shawn, a 21-year-old African American male, has navigated the challenges of the criminal legal system intermittently since he was 14. Growing up in an historically impoverished community in Brooklyn, Shawn frequently experienced being targeted by local law enforcement, which shaped his perception of authority figures from a young age. His father has been incarcerated for much of Shawn's formative years, leaving their father-son relationship confined to weekly phone calls and no face-to-face visits since he was 12 years old.

Shawn's mother, a dedicated nurse, often works double shifts at the local hospital to make ends meet, which severely limits the amount of time she can spend with him. As an only child, Shawn found familial companionship in his cousin Chad, who was more like a brother to him. Tragically, Chad passed away unexpectedly, a loss that left Shawn without a crucial emotional support at a critical time in his young life.

The combined pressures of loss, familial separation, and economic hardship took a significant toll on Shawn. As he was grieving his most recent loss, Shawn decided to hang out with a group of friends. The group was subjected to a stop-and-frisk by the police. During the incident, one of Shawn's friends was found in possession of a weapon, leading to charges for the friend and Shawn being implicated as well. This incident added yet another layer to the complexities of Shawn's life, underscoring the challenges he faces and highlighting the systemic issues prevalent in his environment.

Social workers' ethical responsibility

When we look at cases like Shawn and many others within our community, we recognize that there are various layers that contribute to these circumstances, that’s why the role of the social worker is so important. Social workers operate under the NASW Code of Ethics, which mandates a commitment to service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. This framework is crucial in guiding social workers as they navigate complex and often challenged legal environments to advocate for clients like Shawn. It is imperative that social workers not only consider the immediate circumstances but also the broader socio-economic factors that influence their clients' lives. Additionally, there’s a moral obligation to the communities we serve 

A call to action

Our vision is for a transformed carceral system that embraces a humanizing approach. This requires proper training and resources for social workers to implement trauma-informed care, an approach developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to recognize and empathize with the impact of trauma. Both new and seasoned social workers must be equipped with these tools to treat affected populations with the dignity they deserve.

Conclusion

The necessity for reform is clear. By adopting comprehensive assessments and advocating for systemic changes, social workers can play a fundamental role in transforming carceral spaces. It is not just about treating individuals but about reshaping the environments that impact their lives. With adequate funding and resources, we can start to make these essential changes, ensuring that the dignity and worth of every person are respected.