Abstract
The use of solitary confinement in adult correctional facilities has recently been scrutinized due to concerns surrounding offenders’ mental health and what impacts come from its use. The purpose of this research was to examine the impacts of and alternatives to solitary confinement in adult correctional facilities through the lens of professionals with direct experience working with offenders. A qualitative research design was executed, contacting a total of twenty-two professionals, completing four semi-structured interviews. All participants had professional experience working with offenders in an adult correctional facility in Minnesota. Three major themes emerged within the data: working definitions of solitary confinement, impact on mental health, and alternatives to the use of solitary confinement. Findings were consistent with the literature, emphasizing the importance of the current reform surrounding solitary confinement practices and recognizing the continued need for future research.