Life after committing a crime : how do professionals help criminals regain a good quality of life during reintegration?

Abstract

The transition from a period of incarceration, back to society may be quite challenging for a number of individuals, as they get to face several challenges. These challenges may have a negative effect on their quality of life and this can quickly lead to recidivism. Professionals in criminal justice might have a mitigating factor for these challenges by helping these individuals to regain a good quality of life, leading to a positive reintegration. The purpose of this qualitative study is to investigate how professionals help offenders to achieve the utmost quality of life during reintegration back in society. The methodology used consisted of six semi-structured interviews which were carried out with parole officers from the Department of Probation and Parole. Data from these interviews was then analysed using Thematic Analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006), and five overarching themes were found; “Dealing with the Transition”, “Parole Services”, “Helping to achieve a Positive Quality of Life”, “Ensuring Positive Reintegration” and “Factors which further contribute to a Positive Reintegration”. Participants discussed several ways how they help these individuals. The main findings indicated that besides things such as employment and housing, other psychological factors such as the belief in oneself and also the motivation to change are highly important for the person to have a good quality of life.