ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a module which engages the criminal justice involved persons with mental illness (CJ-PMI), facilitating the positive benefits of participating in the treatment program. Most individuals in the criminal justice system identify the goal of remaining crime-free as their first priority. In addition to increasing the initial motivation for change, the "Preparing for Change" module can assist CJ-PMI stuck at a stage of change to move on or to go back to a previous stage of change. Engaging CJ-PMI, via motivational interviewing techniques, will impact the participant's evaluation of crime as worthwhile, perceptions of current life problems, anticipation of re-offending, and general attitudes to offending. The goal of the Motivational Interviewing module is to use both directive and non-directive questions, reflective listening, affirmation, and summaries to assist the participant in preparing for change. The chapter explores the participant's difficulties and introduces the participants to define their own life goals.
