Story by Brian Consiglio

The United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. And that’s not the only challenge — nearly 44% of U.S. citizens who are released from prison end up returning in less than a year.

While many shy away from the statistics, University of Missouri researcher Kelli Canada has taken note and devoted her career as a social worker to improving the mental health and well-being of those in the criminal justice system.

“When you look at the data, specifically regarding prison re-entry, it’s clear to see something isn’t working,” Canada said. “I’m passionate about improving the conditions for those who live and work inside prisons, and my ultimate goal is to help incarcerated individuals re-enter society with the skills and resources they need to be successful long-term.”

A multi-pronged mission

Canada, an associate professor and associate director of research with the School of Social Work, and her research team recently received a $2.8 million grant from Arnold Ventures to help transform how people live and work in four Missouri prisons. The five-year project has four key components: staff training, changes to physical spaces within prisons, personal skill building for residents, and community connections.

Canada’s latest work builds off her recent Prison Research and Innovation Network (PRIN) project, which used a community-engaged research model to bring together staff members and prison residents at the Moberly Correctional Center to discuss ways to improve conditions in the prison.

“It has been incredible to see what changes can happen when you allow prison staff and residents to brainstorm collaborative ideas and build innovations together,” Canada said. “We can’t change things for one group and not the other, and I am proud to support MU’s land-grant mission by conducting research that improves lives out in the broader community.”

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