Introduction/ Rationale: Correctional officers (COs) serving jails and prisons evidence mental health-related risks including stress, burnout and psychological distress from traumatic events experienced on the job.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify evidence-based practices and innovative solutions for the reduction of correctional staff trauma and organizational stress.

Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) for Scoping Reviews guidelines, we searched 5 databases for CO trauma and stress interventions.. We included intervention studies published in the last 20 years, that addressed correctional officer health, and were completed in any country.

Results: There were 1283 studies identified for screening and 103 met criteria for full-text assessment. A total of 13 studies from U.S. and international authors met the criteria for data extraction and analysis. Types of interventions represented in the final studies included: needs assessment (n=3), participatory engagement (n=3), organizational management approaches (n=1), mental health and mentoring training (n=2), stress reduction techniques (n=3), and weight loss program (n=1).

Implications: Our findings reflect support for formal mentoring, peer support, and participatory approaches. There is adequate research on the stress that correctional officers face, but a large gap in literature regarding interventions that address workplace stress.

Conclusion: There is opportunity for occupational therapists to address the gaps in CO workplace trauma and stress interventions. More research is needed to evaluate existing practices to address trauma and stress in criminal justice facilities.

Funding: This project was funded by the National Institute of Corrections.

Thank you to Dr. Lisa Jaegers for welcoming me onto this project and fielding all my questions. I appreciate her being willing to coach me through the process and learn about the world of research through her!