Why Culturally-Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Clinical Care Matters

Culturally-inclusive. Trauma-informed. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re principles built into our history and mission. 

Since 1845, the Women’s Prison Association (WPA) has adapted to the evolving needs of the populations we serve. In 1929, in response to the increasing number of incarcerated Black women, WPA hired a Black social worker, making it one of the first integrated social service agencies. By 1931, WPA had employed the first psychologist and psychiatrist at a women’s prison in Manhattan, advocating for the mental health of incarcerated women. In 2019, WPA launched the Survivor’s Advocacy Project to support survivors of trafficking and intimate partner violence on Rikers Island. These changes were implemented to uplift program participants with the best care and support possible, evolving to better serve and protect their well-being.

At WPA, we provide clinical care that recognizes the complex intersections of race, gender, trauma, and poverty, shaped by the voices and experiences of the people we serve.

Our Culturally-Inclusive Staff Bridges Gaps

WPA fosters a culturally inclusive workplace, where over 60% of staff identify as women of color and bring lived experiences that reflect the communities we serve.

This diversity is vital for systems-impacted clients, as research shows that culturally responsive care significantly improves trust and treatment outcomes in justice-involved populations. Our multigenerational, bilingual, and multiracial team bridges the gap between community realities and complex legal systems with openness and insight. By grounding our work in cultural humility, we treat clients with care that honors who they are and their unique backgrounds. 

A significant strength of WPA’s team is the inclusion of formerly incarcerated staff, including some former WPA program participants. These individuals bring an unparalleled depth of understanding and empathy to their work. Their lived experiences ensure that our clinical services remain client-centered, authentic, and impactful.

“This team moves with confidence and compassion, soulful and grounded in truth,” says Erica Brittle, LCSW, SIFI, the Director of Clinical Services at WPA. “We show up with both clinical excellence and cultural humility, holding space without judgment. Here, healing isn’t rushed; it’s honored.”

Source: National Institutes of Health, 2019

Trauma-Informed Care Addresses the Root Causes of Incarceration

Untreated trauma and unmet mental health needs are often major drivers of women’s involvement in the criminal legal system.

56% of incarcerated women report mental health issues before incarceration. 90% of systems-involved women have experienced some form of childhood trauma. The Bureau of Justice Assistance reports that one in four women incarcerated meet the criteria for lifetime serious mental illness (SMI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance misuse disorders. Most women and LGBTQIA+ individuals in jails and prisons have experienced harm, trauma, and adversity that contributes to their systems involvement. 

“At WPA, clients benefit from trauma-informed care because we don’t demand trust; we earn it,” Brittle adds. “By validating emotions and honoring each person’s story, clients begin to understand that their survival was a strength, not a failure.”

When working with formerly incarcerated clients, we know that gender-responsive and trauma-informed care is critical to their recovery. We are committed to supplying and developing clinical services that address the full spectrum of mental health needs, including support systems that uplift survivors of trauma and violence, while also caring for the mental health and overall well-being of all our clients.

To learn more about our programs and services for women before, during, and after incarceration, click here. 

Sources: Blitz, C. L., Wolff, N., & Paap, K. Availability of behavioral health treatment for women in prison; Council on Criminal Justice, Women’s justice: A preliminary assessment of women in the criminal justice system; Lynch, S. M., DeHart, D. D., Belknap, J., & Green, B. L., Women’s pathways to jail: Examining mental health, trauma, and substance use