Challenges of Reintegrating into Society After a Prison Sentence
People face numerous challenges when re-entering society after a prison sentence. One of the main issues is the transition from a total institution, where their daily routines and actions are strictly controlled, to a society where they must independently manage their lives. This sudden shift can be overwhelming.
Due to the stigma of having a criminal record, individuals with such a history often have difficulty finding employment, leading to financial insecurity and difficulty in obtaining housing. Additionally, their social networks may have diminished during their time in prison, making social integration challenging. This lack of support can exacerbate feelings of isolation and make it harder to adapt to life outside prison.
Services Provided to Former Inmates: Examples from the Experiment
A study conducted by Adeline Nyamathi and colleagues, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, enrolled 600 parolees, all of whom had previously been homeless. The study aimed to understand what kind of post-release support would help maintain their health and avoid rearresting (Nyamathi, 2016). The parolees were divided into three groups, each receiving varying degrees of peer coaching and health counseling. All three combinations resulted in a decrease in drug use, risky sexual activity, and recidivism rates.
The data suggests that a combination of nurse case management and peer coaching is beneficial for parolees’ post-release (Nyamathi, 2016). For instance, the nurse case manager performed health assessments and provided health education regarding the dangers of injecting drugs and having unprotected sex. As for the peer coaches, they were former inmates who were able to successfully integrate into society (Nyamathi, 2016). All of them were trained to take part in this experiment.
Reducing Recidivism Through Support: Merton’s Strain Theory Explained
The concept put forth by Merton’s strain theory suggests that when people are unable to attain societal objectives through approved channels, they experience a form of tension or stress, potentially resulting in deviant or criminal behavior. The provision of support services to those released from prison lessens this stress by offering legal avenues to meet societal expectations like stable job opportunities and secure housing. This consequently decreases recidivism rates. This is crucial given the societal prejudice faced by those with a prison record, which further impedes their reintegration into society (Gehring et al., 2019). By tackling these obstacles and alleviating this tension, we can facilitate the reentry of these individuals into society and minimize their chances of committing offenses.
References
Nyamathi, A. (2016). Helping ex-prisoners keep out of prison: What works. The Conversation. Web.
Gehring, K. S., Batista, M. R., Wallace, C. L., & Agnew, R. (2019). Anomie and strain theories (Vol. 5). Oxford University Press.
Loading...
