Strong Initial Engagement with Atlas Program in Washington State Corrections

Promising Results from the Atlas Pilot Program

The recently initiated pilot program involving the Washington Department of Corrections (WDOC) has yielded strong early results, showcasing the positive impact of the Atlas system—an innovative digital platform from The Change Companies that utilizes the Interactive Journaling® methodology. This initiative, rolled out across four correctional facilities, aims to enhance access to important behavioral health and personal development education for incarcerated individuals.

Launched in early August, the program has allowed over 2,000 participants to engage with Atlas, revealing high levels of engagement and user satisfaction during a 30-day review period. A noteworthy 100% of participants reported that the Interactive Journaling® approach utilized in Atlas was beneficial, while 83% stated that it supported their progress towards personal treatment goals. These promising findings highlight the potential of technology-enabled educational programming to not only assist individuals in their rehabilitation journeys but also to alleviate programmatic waitlists that have become increasingly burdensome due to staff shortages across the corrections sector.

Expanding Access to Meaningful Change

The Atlas platform offers a broad range of journaling interventions covering essential topics such as anger management, addiction education, financial literacy, career exploration, parenting, and preparation for reentry into society. Utilizing The Change Companies' established and structured writing techniques, each journal is designed to promote introspection, motivation, and meaningful behavior change among users.

Furthermore, the platform's digital nature enables participants to complete their assignments at their own pace, allowing for greater flexibility and reducing the backlog associated with in-person programming. The result is a scalable solution that not only meets the urgent need for accessible educational resources but also fosters significant engagement from users who might otherwise struggle to find adequate support.

As Nico Gimenez, co-CEO of The Change Companies, expressed, “We’re truly honored to collaborate with the Washington Department of Corrections in enhancing access to person-centered curricula. The results we've observed illustrate how digital tools like Atlas can drive motivation, lead to improved outcomes, and ultimately contribute to the creation of safer communities.”

A Commitment to Evidence-Based Practices

Founded over three decades ago, The Change Companies specializes in developing evidence-based practices such as Interactive Journaling®, which is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. Their digital platform, Atlas, stands out by expanding access and delivering engaging, individualized programming geared toward individuals involved in the justice system and those seeking treatment.

The promising early data from the pilot initiative not only reinforces WDOC’s mission to promote rehabilitation and successful reintegration but also emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to tackle modern challenges in healthcare delivery. As this pilot program advances, it is likely to serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at enhancing educational accessibility and fostering lasting behavioral change within correctional settings.

With strong initial feedback and growing participation, the Atlas program holds the potential to reshape how incarcerated individuals engage with crucial therapeutic content, ultimately paving the way for more comprehensive support during their journey toward reintegration. Moving forward, further evaluation and expansion of this program could significantly benefit many seeking rehabilitation and personal development in correctional facilities nationwide.