Abstract
Offender rehabilitation and reintegration have come to be embraced as a vital component of a comprehensive and holistic crime-fighting strategy. Despite this, research shows that upon release from prison, ex-offenders are faced with a myriad of challenges that weaken the possibility of reform and predispose ex-offenders to recidivism. Using primary data from a qualitative study, this paper discusses the challenges faced by ex-offenders when reintegrating into mainstream society in Gauteng, South Africa. The findings show that ex-offenders struggle to adjust because of broken family and community relationships, unemployment and lack of after-care services, among others factors.
Highlights
Upon release from prison, offenders face a myriad of challenges (Davis, Bahr & Ward, 2012:447; Seiter & Kadela, 2003:361; Shinkfield & Graffam, 2009:30)
Given that successful reintegration of offenders is central to crime reduction, it is important that the science of offender reintegration be thoroughly understood
Davis et al (2012:447) observe that a deepened understanding of offender reintegration allows professionals, the family and communities to better support the adjustment of offenders upon release, which in turn reduces their chances of recidivism
Summary
Upon release from prison, offenders face a myriad of challenges (Davis, Bahr & Ward, 2012:447; Seiter & Kadela, 2003:361; Shinkfield & Graffam, 2009:30) These barriers become an impediment to rehabilitation and increase ex-offenders’ chances of reoffending. Given the dynamic and ever-changing nature of society, ex-offenders who spend long periods in prison are released into an environment that is very different from their former environment before imprisonment. This poses a serious challenge for the reintegration of offenders. Such stigma defeats efforts to rehabilitate offenders and disadvantages both the offender and society
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