--- title: "Meeting people where they are: How to solve six programming barriers in corrections" description: Evidence-based programming in corrections can reach hard-to-reach participants. Learn 6 practical fixes, from restrictive housing to waitlists & staff gaps image: https://blog.changecompanies.net/hubfs/Blog/Banner%20Graphics/Atlas%20demo%20laptop.png --- [Technical Support](https://support.changecompanies.net/?hsLang=en) [Contact Sales](https://go.changecompanies.net/contact?hsLang=en) Search changecompanies.net About Us [About](https://changecompanies.net/about?hsLang=en) [Leadership](https://changecompanies.net/about?hsLang=en#leadership) [Advisors](https://changecompanies.net/about?hsLang=en#advisors) [Contact Us](https://go.changecompanies.net/contact?hsLang=en) [Careers](https://changecompanies.net/careers?hsLang=en) [![The Change Companies Logo](https://844aa8d177dcf87d02fc-8f72bb99f02c2e7ec80fe67c19b57c36.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/newsite/TCClogo_website.png)](https://blog.changecompanies.net/) - Products Products [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Internal/Logos/Atlas%20favicon.png?width=28&height=28&name=Atlas%20favicon.png) Atlas: Behavior Change Platform Helps agencies and providers drive measurable behavior change, so fewer people return to custody or use.](https://changecompanies.net/atlas?hsLang=en) [Sessions Plan check-ins and groups, capture notes, and track delivery fidelity, all tied to case and treatment plans.](https://changecompanies.net/atlas-sessions) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Email%20Graphics/Icons%20and%20Thumbnails/Small-Icon-Template_FeaturedArticle.png?width=28&height=28&name=Small-Icon-Template_FeaturedArticle.png) *Interactive Journaling®* Evidence-based expressive writing that blends MI, CBT, and the stages of change to guide lasting change.](https://changecompanies.net/interactive-journaling) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/DCP%20and%20Atlas/Treatment%20and%20Recovery%20Icon.png?width=28&height=28&name=Treatment%20and%20Recovery%20Icon.png) Clinical Assessments DSM-5 and ASAM Criteria–compatible tools for diagnosis, placement, and service planning, with Evince.](https://shop.changecompanies.net/collections/clinical-assesments) Training [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Email%20Graphics/Icons%20and%20Thumbnails/Small-Icon-Template_BoosterTraining.png?width=28&height=28&name=Small-Icon-Template_BoosterTraining.png) Curriculum Training Train facilitators on the key skills that make *Interactive Journaling®* most effective.](https://changecompanies.net/training?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/FP%20and%20Training/BasicFidelity-Icon.png?width=28&height=28&name=BasicFidelity-Icon.png) Self-paced Learning The Fidelity Platform: online, self-paced training that upskills facilitators on their schedule.](https://changecompanies.net/fidelity-platform?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Homepage/ASAM%20logo-2.png?width=28&height=28&name=ASAM%20logo-2.png) The ASAM Criteria Open enrollment trainings from Train for Change on ASAM skills, implementation, and CARF certification.](https://changecompanies.net/asam?hsLang=en) - Solutions [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Solutions/Industry%20Icons/Adult%20treatment.png?width=28&height=28&name=Adult%20treatment.png) Behavioral Health Client-centered resources that boost engagement and scale ASAM-aligned treatment planning.](https://changecompanies.net/behavioral-health) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Solutions/Industry%20Icons/Adolescent%20treatment.png?width=28&height=28&name=Adolescent%20treatment.png) Community Corrections Risk-need-responsive tools for probation, parole, diversion, and reentry, without adding staff burden.](https://changecompanies.net/community-corrections) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Solutions/Industry%20Icons/Juvenile%20justice.png?width=28&height=28&name=Juvenile%20justice.png) Correctional Institutions Evidence-based programming that promotes prosocial change and streamlines reentry.](https://changecompanies.net/prison-jail) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Solutions/Industry%20Icons/Treatment%20Courts.png?width=28&height=28&name=Treatment%20Courts.png) Juvenile Justice Age-appropriate resources that boost motivation, support case plans, and reduce recidivism.](https://changecompanies.net/solutions-for-juvenile-justice?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Homepage/ASAM%20logo-2.png?width=28&height=28&name=ASAM%20logo-2.png) The ASAM Criteria Learning pathways that help clinicians and agencies implement the ASAM Criteria at every level of care.](https://changecompanies.net/asam?hsLang=en) - Resources [Blog](https://blog.changecompanies.net/?hsLang=en) [Case Studies](https://changecompanies.net/case-studies) [Grant Support](https://changecompanies.net/grant-support?hsLang=en) [Webinars](https://changecompanies.net/webinars?hsLang=en) [Resource Center](https://changecompanies.net/resourcecenter) [Motivational Interviewing](https://changecompanies.net/motivational-interviewing?hsLang=en) [Pre/Post-tests](https://changecompanies.net/prepost-tests?hsLang=en) [Tips and Topics](https://changecompanies.net/tipsandtopics?hsLang=en) [Technical Support](https://support.changecompanies.net/?hsLang=en) - Login [Atlas](https://changecompanies.app) [Store Account](https://shop.changecompanies.net/account) [eTraining](https://legacy.changecompanies.net/account/login.php) [Fidelity Platform](https://fidelity.changecompanies.net/login) [Get an Atlas Demo](https://changecompanies.net/atlas/demo?hsLang=en) [Shop Journals](https://shop.changecompanies.net) [Atlas Demo](https://changecompanies.net/atlas/demo?hsLang=en) [![The Change Companies Logo](https://844aa8d177dcf87d02fc-8f72bb99f02c2e7ec80fe67c19b57c36.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/newsite/TCClogo_website.png)](https://blog.changecompanies.net/) Search changecompanies.net [Get an Atlas Demo](https://changecompanies.net/atlas/demo?hsLang=en) [Shop Journals](https://shop.changecompanies.net) Open main menu Close main menu [Best Practices](https://blog.changecompanies.net/tag/best-practices) [Justice Services](https://blog.changecompanies.net/tag/justice-services) # Meeting people where they are: How to solve six programming barriers in corrections ![The Change Companies](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Internal/Logos/Social%20Media%20Logo.png?width=45&name=Social%20Media%20Logo.png) [The Change Companies](https://blog.changecompanies.net/author/the-change-companies) [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://blog.changecompanies.net/meeting-people-where-they-are-how-to-solve-six-programming-barriers-in-corrections) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.changecompanies.net/meeting-people-where-they-are-how-to-solve-six-programming-barriers-in-corrections) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.changecompanies.net/meeting-people-where-they-are-how-to-solve-six-programming-barriers-in-corrections) ![Atlas demo](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hubfs/Blog/Banner%20Graphics/Atlas%20demo%20laptop.png) ## Summary Correctional agencies can expand access to evidence-based programming by addressing six barriers: transportation, restrictive housing, waitlists, staffing shortages, readiness to change, and unmet needs among special populations.   Across conversations with agency and facility leaders nationwide, one question comes up again and again: *how do you deliver evidence-based programming to the people who are hardest to reach?* “Hard to reach” can mean different things for different organizations — in community corrections, your participants may face transportation barriers. In jails and prisons, persistent understaffing may be a pain point affecting program availability. There are many conditions, both internal and external, that may make a participant or group hard to reach. A few examples covered below include: 1. Individuals facing transportation barriers 2. Individuals in restrictive housing 3. Those on lengthy waitlists 4. Individuals in facilities with limited staffing (and limited programming) 5. Individuals in precontemplation or who are mandated to programming 6. Special populations for whom evidence-based programming has historically been limited So, let’s solve for how you can get the right programming to the right people, when they want and need it most.   ### Solving for each challenge: Programming that meets people where they are #### 1. Transportation barriers: Flexibility of access For participants who live in rural areas, don’t have access to reliable transportation, or who have schedules that conflict with in-person meeting times, just getting to a session can pose a challenge. To support program delivery for people with transportation barriers: - Ask about practical barriers, like transportation or work conflicts, before logging slow engagement as resistance. - Offer sessions at nontraditional times, including evenings or weekends, for participants who work fixed hours. - Hold groups or check-ins closer to where participants live, like at community centers, libraries, or partner agencies. - Use phone or video check-ins when an in-person isn’t needed. - Offer digital programming as a way for participants to engage anytime, anywhere. While traditional in-person programming requires an individual to overcome what can be significant logistical barriers, digital programming can offer flexibility and easier access. [How Oregon Recovery Services got more individuals access to and engaged in programming →](https://changecompanies.net/case-studies-oregon-recovery)   #### 2. Restrictive housing: Programming that doesn't need a group Offering programming to those in restrictive housing raises challenges for staff. Moving residents to a group room is staff-intensive and time-consuming. There are often safety considerations, and sometimes group space isn’t available at all. To expand access to programming for this population: - If possible, provide self-directed print materials, like Interactive Journals, that residents can complete in their cells. - Leverage digital, tablet-based platforms so residents can access secure, approved content on their own. - Set a check-in schedule so a facilitator or case manager sees each person's progress without needing to sit with them for it. - Plan ahead for the move back to general population so programming continues without a gap. - When appropriate, place individuals working on the same programs in the same cell so they can discuss and improve together. The Utah Department of Corrections uses [Atlas](https://changecompanies.net/atlas) to deliver structured, evidence-based, risk-need-responsive programming to individuals in restrictive housing. After one year, participants working through tablet-based [*Interactive Journaling*®](https://changecompanies.net/interactive-journaling) content logged 6,200 sessions, completed 2,600 Journals, and demonstrated an 85% engagement rate. The data shows people in restrictive settings will do meaningful work on their own when the opportunity is there. [Read more about lessons learned from Utah’s pilot →](https://blog.changecompanies.net/digital-treatment-in-restrictive-housing-lessons-from-utahs-year-1-pilot)   #### 3. Waitlists: Starting engagement before a slot opens In some systems, people wait as long as two years for programming to open up. Self-directed, facilitator-light content gives leadership a way to start engagement before a slot exists, instead of asking people to wait in place. The Washington Department of Corrections uses Atlas for self-directed education to increase readiness for treatment. The goal is that by the time they are off the waitlist, participants will be primed for engagement, more self-aware, and require less intensive services. With 83% agreeing Atlas helped them toward their treatment goals, that plan is bearing fruit. [Explore results from the Washington DOC program pilot →](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/early-pilot-results-show-strong-engagement-with-atlas-across-washington-department-of-corrections-302611784.html) To engage individuals on program waitlists: - For non-clinical programs, use trained peers to expand access to programs. - Decide upfront how self-directed work connects to the eventual program slot, so it complements group work instead of duplicating it. - Track who's engaging with self-directed or digital work and how much, so intake staff can gauge readiness before someone reaches the front of the line. - Set expectations that self-directed content is a bridge to the program they're waiting for, not a replacement for it   #### 4. Staffing shortages: Lowering the demand on facilitator time Programs built around a fixed facilitator-to-participant ratio can only scale as far as staff availability allows. Digital programming makes room for self-guided learning and growth. If your agency is dealing with a shortage of programming staff: - Match program intensity to risk. Use self-directed programs for lower-risk participants and save staff-led sessions for people with higher-intensity needs. - Train peer mentors to co-facilitate select programs, with staff support and oversight. - If you use a digital platform, choose one that flags participants who stall or need attention, so staff don't have to check each person's progress by hand. - Pilot changes with one program before scaling to all of them, so staff can adjust the routine before it's facility-wide. - Partner with community providers, volunteers, faith-based groups or local college internship programs to expand facilitation capacity. [How Midland County Adult Probation saved staff 10 hours of time per week →](https://blog.changecompanies.net/how-midland-county-adult-probation-uses-atlas-to-increase-engagement-and-reduce-barriers) [![Discover Atlas Improving client engagement and motivation to change by 90%; Giving staff back 1 day/ week.   See how Atlas supports assessment, planning, intervention, documentation and measurement in a fully integrated system.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20881724/interactive-210836473477.png)](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLe1hppZcsm8fNB71a6NHgLvsy76O0ebPYfyYAYissNx40dUQQAlXnQ0OR7zSanYEcM28sXpCuFyncc09Z%2FnF3Eb6PBz5K2IaYJDNY39ayKq5YlORK43IpYOyHqYa32xDkF1c6wMMEZqR5QNiPsM9D%2Br49fyV36Ai5fzo%2B4P5klChPt3JPEBsqYysxspfKlI51xKzB3wresv2MwoIQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=210836473477&portalId=20881724) #### 5. Precontemplation & court-mandated clients: Meeting resistance without pushing People in precontemplation don't see a reason to change, at least not yet. Often, participants who are [mandated to programming](https://blog.changecompanies.net/treating-mandated-clients-tips-for-reframing-respecting-ambivalence-and-addressing-stuckness) or newly incarcerated are in this early [stage of change](https://blog.changecompanies.net/stages-of-change). It is also common for justice-involved youth to be reluctant at first. Pushing any individual toward action tends to backfire. [Research](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571072/) points to a lower-pressure approach: inviting someone to just think about change, rather than asking them to commit. Motivation interviewing (MI) and self-reflection can help. In fact, [Broadway Counseling found that the thoughtful questions in Atlas helped spark engagement early and build momentum.](https://blog.changecompanies.net/using-digital-tools-to-boost-readiness-to-change-for-court-mandated-clients) - Train staff to name precontemplation as a stage, not a personality trait, so the response is curiosity instead of confrontation. - Offer a low-stakes way to start engaging, like self-paced content. - Give participants choices where you can, like which topic to start with, to build a sense of ownership. - Lean on motivational interviewing micro-skills, open questions, affirmations, and reflections to build rapport. Utilizing [tools for ongoing coaching here](https://changecompanies.net/sessions) is key. - Invite peer mentors with lived experience to share their stories. - Offer incentives for engagement and consistency. [Explore how Alameda County Probation Department found success with using monetary incentives with justice-involved youth →](https://blog.changecompanies.net/incentives-innovation-and-impact-how-alameda-county-probation-implemented-atlas-for-justice-involved-youth)   #### 6. Special populations: Closing the evidence-based gap Limited access to appropriate programming is a challenge across special populations. But finding evidence-based, engaging programming built specifically for participants can improve outcomes. Just a few groups who benefit from specialized programming include: - Adolescents - Individuals with literacy or accessibility challenges - Those with language barriers - Women - Members of the LGBTQIA+ community - People with unique criminogenic needs, such as those who have committed sex offenses or who have substance use disorders When it comes to special populations, it is often a lack of evidence-based curricula – not a lack of need or interest — that make these individuals harder to reach. - Confirm curricula are built specifically for the population using them, as opposed to being adapted from existing general programming. - Train facilitators in trauma-informed and gender-responsive approaches. - Ensure secure, private access to behavior change materials for all participants, including those who may not feel safe or comfortable engaging in standard group settings. - Provide materials in participants' first languages. - Utilize digital tools to ensure programming is accessible to those with literacy concerns, disabilities, or language barriers. [Additional tools for understanding and addressing the unique needs of special populations →](https://blog.changecompanies.net/understanding-and-addressing-the-unique-needs-of-special-populations) Atlas offers a secure, customizable library of evidence-based programming that can be accessed anytime, anywhere via a tablet, phone, or computer. If a participant’s responses indicate a potential risk, a flag is raised and their facilitator is notified, allowing for timely intervention even for self-guided participants. Atlas also includes evidence-based programming for special populations where options have historically been limited. If your team is working through how to engage people who are hard to reach, we'd welcome the conversation.[Learn more about Atlas](https://changecompanies.net/atlas) and see how digital delivery can close the gaps that traditional formats leave open. See how[Atlas](https://changecompanies.net/atlas) works for your agency → [Book a quick demo](https://changecompanies.net/atlas/demo) --- [![Atlas devices](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Email%20Graphics/Product%20Images/Atlas%20devices.png?width=508&height=274&name=Atlas%20devices.png)](https://changecompanies.net/atlas) Evidence-based, behavioral health[Interactive Journaling®](https://changecompanies.net/interactive-journaling) curricula are available digitally on [Atlas](https://changecompanies.net/atlas). Atlas can save staff time while supporting fidelity to evidence-based practices. Ready to see what Atlas can do for your program? Visit our website to schedule a personalized demo today. [Learn more about Atlas →](https://changecompanies.net/atlas/demo) Provide your information below for a complete overview of [Atlas](https://changecompanies.net/atlas) for your setting. ![The Change Companies](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Internal/Logos/Social%20Media%20Logo.png?width=150&name=Social%20Media%20Logo.png) #### The Change Companies For over 30 years, The Change Companies has delivered cutting-edge behavior change tools to over 26 million individuals in addiction treatment and justice services. We combine the latest change research with end-user feedback to continually improve the design and delivery of innovative solutions, such as our evidence-based practice of Interactive Journaling®, our programming platform, Atlas, and our live and on-demand skills-based training programs. [![The Change Companies](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hubfs/Internal/Logos/Primary_Logo_Stacked_White.png)](https://changecompanies.net/) Developing evidence-based solutions that help people make positive life changes. ##### Products [Interactive Journaling®](https://changecompanies.net/interactive-journaling) [Atlas: Programming Platform](https://changecompanies.net/atlas?hsLang=en) [Clinical Assessments](https://shop.changecompanies.net/collections/clinical-assesments) ##### Solutions [Behavioral Health](https://changecompanies.net/behavioral-health) [Community Corrections](https://changecompanies.net/community-corrections) [Correctional Institutions](https://changecompanies.net/prison-jail) [Opioid Abatement](https://changecompanies.net/opioid-abatement?hsLang=en) [Juvenile Justice](https://changecompanies.net/solutions-for-juvenile-justice?hsLang=en) ##### Login [Atlas](https://changecompanies.app) [Store Account](https://shop.changecompanies.net/account) [eTraining](https://legacy.changecompanies.net/account/login.php) [Fidelity Platform](https://fidelity.changecompanies.net/login) ##### Support [Submit a Ticket](https://go.changecompanies.net/bug-issue) [Technical Support](https://support.changecompanies.net/) ##### Resources [Blog](https://blog.changecompanies.net/?hsLang=en) [Case Studies](https://changecompanies.net/case-studies) [Grant Support](https://changecompanies.net/grant-support?hsLang=en) [Webinars](https://changecompanies.net/webinars?hsLang=en) [Resource Center](https://changecompanies.net/resourcecenter) [Tips and Topics](https://changecompanies.net/tipsandtopics?hsLang=en) ##### Training [Curriculum Training](https://changecompanies.net/training?hsLang=en) [Self-paced Learning](https://changecompanies.net/fidelity-platform?hsLang=en) [The ASAM Criteria](https://changecompanies.net/asam?hsLang=en) ##### Subscribe Stay updated with our latest news and product releases. [Subscribe to Updates](https://share.hsforms.com/1u_jrRk3sTyWSKk-Yalo2zQcfkfw) ##### Ready to learn more? See how Atlas delivers behavior change for clients and AI-powered resources for staff. [Book an Atlas Demo →](https://changecompanies.net/atlas/demo) © 2026 The Change Companies. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://changecompanies.net/privacy-policy) [Terms of Use](https://changecompanies.net/terms-of-use) [(888) 889-8866](tel:18888898866) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "The Change Companies", "url" : "https://blog.changecompanies.net/author/the-change-companies" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-01T17:11:30.251Z", "datePublished" : "2026-10-01T17:11:30.000Z", "headline" : "Meeting people where they are: How to solve six programming barriers in corrections", "image" : [ "https://blog.changecompanies.net/hubfs/Blog/Banner%20Graphics/Atlas%20demo%20laptop.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.changecompanies.net/meeting-people-where-they-are-how-to-solve-six-programming-barriers-in-corrections", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.changecompanies.net/hubfs/TCClogo_website.png" }, "name" : "The Change Companies" } } ```