The application of hip-hop therapy in a forensic inpatient setting

Serious gaps exist with the delivery of effective programs in corrective services and youth justice in Australia which have failed to provide adequate treatment to offenders with severe mental health difficulties. Currently, there are few innovative, nor relevant programs which address the criminogenic and relevant non-criminogenic needs in a specific population which is overrepresented by Aboriginal peoples and where engagement is essential in treatment. Research has supported the therapeutic efficacy of rap music and Hip-Hop Therapy (HHT) for young offenders who are a disadvantaged cohort critically facing marginalisation, disempowerment, and higher rates of mortality, trauma, and mental health than the general population. HHT offers a relatively novel yet culturally relevant mode of therapy for this cohort. This study introduces the Rhythm & Rhymes Adolescent/Adult Program (RRAP) as one of the first Australian HHT programs for young and adult offenders with severe mental health conditions. Sixty-two young and adult participants from a NSW high secure forensic hospital attended a 12-week program which aimed to investigate the social and emotional benefits of RRAP/HHT and to determine which components of the program were most successful at achieving these changes.