The preparation and process of the prison-to-society transition of sentenced male inmates : an evaluation

Abstract

This study aims to delve into the issue of preparation for the transition from prison to society from the perspective of inmates during their last part of their sentence. This study was carried out with five Maltese inmates in their last two years or less of their sentence. The data was analyzed by adopting a Thematic Analysis Approach. Five main themes emerged from the interviews, which are: family support, interpersonal and social skills, employment, biopsychosocial help and housing. These five major themes where analysed in the light of the literature published in the field.The interviews for this research revolved round the concerns of inmates with respect to their re-integration, the preparation they were going through, and the preparation they desired at this late stage of their sentence. Participants also spoke about their fears related to their re-integration. On the basis of the researcher’s findings, recommendations and suggestions are put forward so that systems within thd Corradino Correctional Facility are improved towards a better preparation of prison inmates for meaningful re-integration into society.