Restrictive housing is often used in response to violence, threats, or rule infractions, yet research and operational experience suggest isolation can increase the risks it is intended to reduce. This roundtable examines violence risk assessment in correctional settings, emphasizing the limitations of relying solely on disciplinary history, custody status, or static risk factors. Participants will discuss multidisciplinary approaches to violence prevention and explore alternatives to restrictive housing, including step-down units, behavioral management strategies, enhanced programming, and dynamic security practices.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how restrictive housing can increase, rather than decrease, institutional violence
• Identify key components of a practical violence risk assessment approach 
• Discuss alternatives to restrictive housing that support violence reduction, behavioral stabilization, staff safety, and meaningful treatment engagement

Level: Basic