ABSTRACT
This reentry and transition planning process for individual incarcerated people and their loved ones applies restorative justice, solution-focused brief therapy, and public health learning principles. The process is an example of applied positive criminology. The circle group process is strength based and goal oriented. It is an optimistic approach that gives imprisoned people the opportunity to be accountable for their lives, including working toward making amends for past harmful behavior, and addressing the effects that their imprisonment has had on loved ones, and the community. Individual imprisoned people find concrete ways to desist from crime by planning to meet their needs including reconciliation, social support, employment, housing, transportation, education, and health. An incarcerated person’s loved ones participate in the circle process and can address any harm they may have suffered due to the criminal behavior and imprisonment.
