Psychosocial challenges faced by prisoners on returning to the community : a professionals’ perspective

Abstract

Research on the cycle of prisoners leaving prison only to return time and again may indicate that current corrective measures may be unsuccessful – they are neither helping the prisoner, nor protecting the community from harm. Several studies on prison environments highlight that the psychological and emotional repercussions associated with incarceration are at times profound. In addition to struggling with the traumatic and demeaning prison experience, the prisoner is forced to re-enter a society that is stigmatizing and sceptical of giving second chances. The majority of individuals leaving prison today have insufficient social support and no home to go to, and hence negotiating the transition from prison to society is extremely challenging. This study explores the various psychosocial challenges associated with the reentry process from a professionals’ perspective. Professionals working closely with individuals who are either in transition or have negotiated the re-entry process understand more than anyone the challenges individuals experience upon re-entering society. Findings emergent from this study suggest that professionals are acutely aware of the difficulties exinmates face when seeking employment and accommodation. Professionals emphasise a lack of preparation to the outside world, and a lack of social support given to the prisoners when they leave the institution. In addition, stigma hinders the re-entry process. Factors such as family support, programs, and NGOs are perceived as helping extensively the individual in negotiating this transition. This study makes recommendations for further research, policy and service development.