Dearborn County, Indiana

Thinking for a Change

Thinking for a Change (T4C) is an Evidence-Based Practice.  Evidence-based practice implies that; 1) there is a definable outcome(s); 2) it is measurable; and 3) it is defined according to practical realities (recidivism, progress and personal growth, etc.). Thinking for a Change is an integrated, cognitive behavioral change program for justice involved individuals.  It includes cognitive restructuring, social skills development, and improvement of problem solving skills.  The idea behind the T4C is that participants can learn to regain management of their lives and lead more productive and effective lives by taking control of their thoughts and feelings.  The idea that thinking connects to the way we feel and act, is the basis for the program.  

Designed for delivery to small groups of 8-12 people in 25 lessons, the T4C program can be expanded to meet the needs of specific participant groups. Members of prisons, jails, community corrections, probation, and parole supervision settings can all use the T4C program. Participants can include adults, juveniles, males, or females.  Groups are led by trained facilitators who are then certified to deliver the material.

Correctional agencies can consider Thinking for a Change as one option in a continuum of interventions to address the cognitive, social, and emotional needs of their offender populations.