In correctional and forensic care settings, staff have a dual role of creating therapeutic relationships while also enforcing the rules with involuntary patients in order to maintain safety. This is challenging, high-stakes work, where the risks could include serious harm to patients or staff.
To support staff and improve treatment outcomes, The Royal has introduced a prosocial model at its Secure Treatment Unit (STU), starting at its Brockville campus.
Prosocial modelling is a structured, evidence-based approach developed to assist staff working with involuntary patients—individuals who are in need of mental health treatment but who would not seek care if given the choice.
The model, which is based on established behavioural principles, has been used successfully in correctional and custodial settings in many countries, including Canada, the U.S., and Australia.
At its core, prosocial modelling equips staff with four core skills: role clarification, relationship-building, positive reinforcement, and effective problem-solving.
“Prosocial modelling does not eliminate stress or conflict, but it offers an excellent framework for responding to it,” says Dr. Anik Gosselin, psychologist at The Royal’s Brockville campus and clinical supervisor for the Integrated Forensic Program.
“The goal is to help patients develop prosocial behaviours and attitudes, decrease antisocial behaviours and attitudes, improve staff satisfaction at work, and improve the social climate in correctional and forensic units, creating an overall more respectful environment for everyone involved.”
The four principles of prosocial modelling
The first principle, role clarification, helps staff explain their responsibilities to the individuals in their care in simple, consistent language. This includes clarifying boundaries, rules, and options (what is negotiable and what is not). It also addresses the complex reality of dual roles. Staff must sometimes shift quickly between multiple roles.
“It’s hard to keep that balance,” reflects Gosselin. “One minute you’re a rule enforcer, and the next you’re offering therapeutic support. It’s probably one of the biggest challenges for staff working with this population. This model gives staff a way to navigate that dual role without losing the therapeutic relationship.”
The second principle, positive reinforcement, encourages staff to model, identify and acknowledge prosocial behaviours as they occur and to address antisocial behaviour in a non-blaming way. In high-risk environments, it is common for staff to focus solely on problem behaviours in order to maintain a safe environment. This model shifts the lens: reinforcing prosocial behaviours rather than reacting only to problem behaviour, which in turn increases the likelihood of prosocial behaviour to recur.
The third principle, problem-solving, helps staff respond more effectively to patients' complaints and problems by helping them figure out how to solve their own issues, with support, instead of telling them what to do. Staff use simple, structured techniques to help patients think through consequences and consider alternative responses.
“Patients who get in conflict with the law tend to be very poor problem solvers,” explains Gosselin. “A lot of our patients have addictions or long histories of trauma, and when they’re overwhelmed, even those with the best intentions can make decisions that end up getting them in trouble again,” explains Gosselin.
“Instead of addressing a conflict with family, someone might shut down and stop talking to them for months. Or they’ll use substances to cope with the stress of paying rent instead of finding more creative and effective solutions to pay their rent. We teach them how to think about their problems differently and try new ways to solve them.”
The fourth principle, relationship-building, focuses on building trust. Individuals in correctional and forensic settings often have a history of trauma and failed relationships with institutions and authority figures. Training emphasizes open, warm, non-blaming communication, empathy, and a firm-but-fair approach.
From theory to practice
External trainers could not deliver training to the full team, so a “train-the-trainer” model was adopted. Seven staff members were trained by university professors Dr. Philippa Evans and Dr. Chris Trotter, the model's developer.
The Royal’s staff training on the prosocial model began in spring 2024. The staff’s evaluation of the training has been overwhelmingly positive so far.
Recognizing that training alone does not change professional practices, a group of internal trainers and unit-based “champions” support ongoing practice and coaching. The team of trainers also built in extra support for implementation. Staff have access to visual reminders and discussion guides to reinforce prosocial modelling in action.
“It’s hard to change how you do things, especially in a high-pressure environment, but our team of trainers and champions are true believers of this approach,” says Gosselin.
“Prosocial modelling is so common sense, so intuitive. It’s the way you apply it with this particular population that is very different and unique.”
Evaluation – assessing changes in unit climate, staff satisfaction, and the experiences of the patients in correctional and forensic settings – is a key part of the process. Early indicators suggest that staff feel more confident and better equipped to navigate challenging interactions after being trained.
“Prosocial modelling is helping staff build stronger therapeutic relationships and manage challenging behaviours in a way that’s grounded in respect,” says Kristina McGeough, executive director and site lead at The Royal’s Brockville campus. “It strengthens safety, quality, and staff confidence. It’s sustainable, informed by research, and built on a commitment to better outcomes for both patients and staff.”
Prosocial modelling will eventually be implemented in The Royal’s forensic programs in both Brockville and Ottawa. Gosselin says that while this model is designed for correctional and forensic settings, the principles of prosocial modelling can be applied anywhere.
“At its core, prosocial modelling is about improving behaviour by using the most effective interventions to do so, but it’s also about dignity, respect, and safety,” says Gosselin. “Any setting where there are involuntary patients requiring the staff to create a therapeutic environment while also enforcing rules and maintaining safety could benefit from the same approach.”
As The Royal continues to invest in research-informed, person-centred care, prosocial modelling offers a practical way to turn those values into everyday actions—supporting patients, empowering staff, and creating safer, more respectful environments for all.