The Well-Being Development Model: A Theoretical Model to Improve Outcomes among Criminal Justice System–Involved Individuals

Abstract

This article proposes a new conceptual framework, the Well-Being Development Model (WBDM), to support the development, implementation, and assessment of innovative reentry interventions designed to increase well-being among the millions of individuals released from prisons and jails each year. In contrast to prominent models guiding reentry services, the WBDM increases incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals’ capacity to reach their full potential while addressing common problems and barriers to success. First, we describe the reentry context, explore the prominent conceptual foundation guiding reentry services, and establish the need for innovation. Then, we map five key facilitators of well-being development onto existing theoretical models and detail WBDM propositions. Finally, we propose how the use of data generated from WBDM-based interventions can redress structural and social disparities throughout the criminal justice system, allowing individuals to develop well-being while policy makers promote public health, public safety, and racial and economic equity.