Reintegration Strategies Research Articles

Educational and occupational aspirations of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a qualitative analysis.

Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) are patients diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39years of age. AYACS are often derailed from planned educational and occupational endeavors due to disruption from cancer treatment and its consequences. The study objective was to examine how a personal cancer diagnosis impacted AYACS' experiences related to these endeavors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of a larger study assessing psychosocial challenges among a younger AYACS subset aged 15-25years old at the time of cancer diagnosis. Interviews were coded based on responses and were used to develop themes related to educational and occupational endeavors. Data were collected from 35 participants. Five themes emerged: (1) Pauses in educational attainment had a detrimental effect on educational goals for some participants, but further solidified and sculpted educational plans for others; (2) Although participants experienced challenges accomplishing educational goals, supportive school environments helped surmount these challenges; (3) Participants reflected on rethinking career aspirations, though some desired to pursue the same occupation planned before cancer diagnosis; (4) Participants experienced challenges, including physical and cognitive limitations, upon returning to work; and (5) Participants valued autonomy and normalcy through work and appreciated supportive and flexible work environments. AYACS prioritize professional achievement, yet encounter challenges in achieving professional goals. Our findings create a foundation for developing and testing prospective interventions to promote continuance of school and work during cancer treatment when feasible, and proactive reintegration strategies for those who paused professional goals due to cancer treatment.

Unlocking Second Chances: Scoping review of the parole system and the path to successful community reintegration in Malaysia

This paper intends to explore the parole system and how the system can assist with the successful reintegration of parolees back to the societies. Being ex-convicts, they face several challenges, such as lack of employment opportunities and discrimination, which hinder successful parole reintegration. The parole system, however, can be used to implement reintegration strategies to create change. Despite the abundance of studies on how employers perceive ex-convicts, there needs to be more research on the success of their reintegration into the workforce and society. This paper employs scoping review methods by identifying the existing literature about the parole system in Malaysia and the successful reintegration strategies. This paper concludes that the Malaysian parole system has unique features through the strategies implemented toward the effective reintegration of parolees.

Lived experiences of refugee women with vaginal fistula in Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements, Isingiro District, Uganda

BackgroundVaginal fistula (VF) affects 2–3 million women globally, with the majority in Africa. In Uganda, it’s 2%, with western Uganda having the highest prevalence. Major predisposing factors for refugee women include health system breakdowns and sexual violence during conflict. VF has severe consequences for women, relatives, and communities. There’s limited information on lived experiences among refugee women with VF, and there’s a need for quality prevention, treatment, and social reintegration strategies. This study aimed to understand the physical, psychosocial, and economic impacts of VF on refugee women in Nakivale and Oruchinga settlements and their coping mechanisms.MethodsTen refugee women with VF were interviewed using qualitative study design, utilizing Social-Ecological and Transactional Models for data collection, analysis, and discussion.ResultsTen refugee women aged 24–50 years with or who had experienced VF participated in the study. They lived with VF for at least 2–15 years and had multiple stillbirths. Obstetric Fistula (OF) was the leading cause, followed by rape and cancer. Post-fistula, they faced social discrimination, emotional disturbances, survival difficulties, poverty, and lack of support. They struggled with stigma, social isolation, and marital sexual challenges.ConclusionRefugee women experience physical, emotional, financial, social, and sexual trauma due to VF. Discrimination and stigmatization from loved ones and society lead to isolation, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Despite successful repair, their social and emotional healing remains a burden for their lives. There is a need to provide a supportive environment for VF survivors.

The Interplay of Migration Dynamics with Agricultural Paradigm Shifts in Indonesia

The nexus between migration and agricultural transformation encapsulates the dynamics of rural community livelihoods. Existing studies have not explicitly delineated the landscape of out-migration from rural regions in Indonesia. This study aims to elucidate migration behaviors intertwined with the lives of farming households and the utilization of remittances for agricultural investment activities. Through a comprehensive examination of literature and meta-analyses encompassing various migration cases in Indonesia, the findings reveal that both local and international migration by rural residents illustrate the adaptive strategies employed by households to cope with constrained income within the agricultural sector and limited employment prospects outside it in their villages. The enduring bond of rural communities with the agricultural sector aligns with the discernible pattern of remittance utilization, where a portion is earmarked for agricultural investments, such as land acquisition, including rice fields. The outcomes of this meta-analysis offer a holistic perspective on the relationship between migration and agriculture in Indonesia, serving as a foundation for optimizing the potential of migrants through well-tailored reintegration strategies aimed at mitigating poverty in rural areas.

Assessing the Impact of Holistic Intervention Program for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) After Rehabilitation in Bahay Pag-Asa in Cauayan City, Isabela

This study examines the impact of holistic intervention programs for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) who underwent rehabilitation at Bahay Pag-Asa. The research investigates the experiences of the children, challenges encountered during the intervention programs, strategies employed to address these challenges, the effects of the programs on rehabilitation, and the valuable lessons learned. The findings of the study show that while some children had positive experiences and benefited from vocational training, sports, and spiritual enhancement, others faced difficulties adapting to the structured environment and needed more personalized attention. The intervention programs positively influenced rehabilitation, increasing self-awareness, improved social skills, and enhanced vocational abilities. However, the study identified challenges like loneliness, homesickness, and social problems. The findings highlight the need for ongoing support, individualized interventions, and comprehensive reintegration strategies. This research contributes to understanding practical rehabilitation approaches for CICL and underscores the importance of holistic programs in promoting successful reintegration into society.

A Decade of Media Coverage of the Social Reintegration of Terrorism-Related Convicts: France as a Case Study

ABSTRACT The social reintegration of terrorism-related convicts in Europe is a pressing issue. Public opinion can play an essential role in this by making it easier or more difficult to implement (and succeed with) social reintegration strategies. Considering the media’s influence on shaping public opinions, attitudes, and social representations, the present research offers a case study by reviewing a decade (2011–2022) of media coverage of the social reintegration of terrorism-related convicts in the seven most read national daily newspapers in France. Results reveal that the topic is very little covered, with 395 newspaper articles published over a decade, and mostly discussing deradicalization, specifically, rather than social reintegration at large. Cluster analysis via Reinert’s method reveals that when the topic is discussed it revolves around political and security management (political discourse and security measures), target population (radical Muslims and returnees), and tertiary prevention programs (programs in prison and open settings). A time series analysis of clusters shows their chronological evolution. These findings and their implications for generating (mis)trust in the social reintegration of terrorism-related convicts amongst the general public are discussed.

Hubungan Dukungan Sosial dengan Kecemasan Sosial pada Klien Balai Pemasyarakatan Kelas I Banjarmasin

This study aims to examine the relationship between social support and social anxiety among inmates at Bapas Kelas I Banjarmasin. A quantitative research design with a correlational approach was employed to investigate the potential connection between these variables. The sample comprised 128 inmates, selected using quota sampling, from the total population of 1,278 registered in the System Database Pemasyarakatan (SDP) of the institution. Data were collected using self-report measures: the Social Support Scale based on Sarafino and Smith's aspects of social support and the Social Anxiety Scale based on La Grace and Lopez's aspects of social anxiety. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson's product-moment correlation in SPSS version 22.0. The results revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between social support and social anxiety (r = -0.404, p < 0.001), indicating that higher levels of social support are associated with lower levels of social anxiety among inmates. The study also examined the distribution of social anxiety levels and found that 56% of participants exhibited low social anxiety, 42% had moderate social anxiety, and 2% experienced high social anxiety. Additionally, the analysis indicated that 80% of inmates reported high social support, while 20% reported moderate social support. The implications of these findings suggest the importance of fostering social support networks within correctional facilities to alleviate social anxiety among inmates. Providing mental health services, implementing gender-specific interventions, and focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration strategies are recommended to enhance inmates' overall well-being. Further research should explore the specific factors contributing to variations in social support and social anxiety levels among inmates. By addressing these aspects, correctional institutions can play a pivotal role in promoting inmates' psychological well-being and successful reintegration into society upon release.

Nature of Reintegration Programmes for Returnee Terrorist Fighters in Mombasa County, Kenya

Terrorism is a global threat to peace, security, and prosperity. It also puts conflict resolution strategies to the test. The rise of global terrorism has led to the emergence of numerous extremist groups, which have attracted individuals from various regions, including Mombasa, Kenya. As these individuals return from engaging in terrorist activities, effective reintegration programs play a crucial role in countering further radicalization and promoting societal stability. The study sought to explore the nature of non-custodial reintegration programmes on returnee terrorist fighters in Mombasa. Because of the increasing acceptance and adoption of non-custodial reintegration strategies for returnee terrorist fighters in several countries, there is a growing recognition of the importance of both governmental and non-governmental actors contributing to the development and implementation of the programs. Kenya is no stranger to returning terrorist fighters and the threat they pose to peace and security. The research methodology used for this study combined qualitative and quantitative methods. A sample size of 400 respondents was needed for investigation from the target population of Mombasa County. The County was shown to have the highest rates of violent extremism and recidivism in Kenya. Primary data was collected using questionnaires. Interviews and focus groups discussion with key informants, gave participants insight into the viewpoints and experiences of various participants in the reintegration process. A desk examination of the literature was used to gather secondary data for the investigation. The study findings revealed that Kenya is combining classic counter-terrorist measures such as arrests, detentions, and movement restrictions with policies and programs for prevention, intervention, and reintegration. Factors such as psychological trauma, socioeconomic reintegration, and community acceptance are identified as critical elements that influence the effectiveness of these programs. Religious leaders, community organizations, and government agencies facilitate successful reintegration processes. The study recommends non-custodial reintegration for returnee terrorist fighters to be the best strategy that would provide a perfect opportunity for enhancing community resilience in fighting radicalization leading to terrorism in Kenya.

The homeless population during the COVID-19 syndemic: Inequities, practices of social resilience, and social reintegration strategies.

This paper analyses the amplification of social insecurity and the social misrecognition of the homeless during the COVID-19 syndemic. The research was carried out in the city of Bergamo (IT), which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 syndemic since the early months of 2020; the research was developed in two phases. The first one analyses the practices of social resilience activated during the COVID-19 syndemic by the socio-educational staff and the coordination figures who work in the support services. The second phase analyses the different social dynamics that can improve the wellbeing and social reintegration of the homeless from a long-duration perspective. During the first months of 2020, the public authorities failed to pay attention to homeless people who slept on the streets and who lived in communities or found support in night shelters. The support services had to activate immediate emergency response strategies and subsequently had to produce and purchase protective devices for operators, guests and those who remained on the street. Faced with this process of social misrecognition, the support services for homeless people reacted by activating practices of social resilience. These practices have investigated the dimensions of daily interactions and the symbolic and value configurations connected to them. However, directly conversing with the homeless, it emerges that to achieve full social reintegration and to prevent new forms of social misrecognition, in the event of future social or health crises, the relationship with a non-stigmatized social community is fundamental. Consequently, the primary objectives that the support network for homeless people should set for future projects should involve the local community through project participation activities and raise awareness of the phenomenon of poverty.

Initiation into the street, challenges, means of survival and perceived strategies to prevent plights among street children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019: A phenomenological study design.

BackgroundThe life and health of street children are becoming a global concern. Push and pull factors i.e. poverty, family death, economic decline, child abuse, financial independence, and peer influence draw children into the street. The street lives by itself pushes them into sex work, and lack of shelter magnificent abuses, where both sexes have the same sleeping quarters.Materials and MethodsA phenomenological study design was employed from January to March 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Time-Space Sampling (TSS) was used to recruit participants into the study. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and individual in-depth interview were used to collect data. Data analyzed by using framework analysis software.ResultsAbout 103 participants took part in the study. Finding shows street children are encountering widespread challenges like social network fragmentation, child trafficking, harassments, and shortage of basic needs. Furthermore, poor design of comprehensive, contextualized strategies and less political value worsening the problems. They are considered as a felon, outlaws, and having a mentality of committing a crime by both law-keeping bodies and society. This situation resulted in fewer acceptances of street children by the community, and less legal protection by law that made them more at risk for denial of social protection. Street children positively perceived strategies like Income Generating Activities (IGAs), shelter, community support, child protection, and access to education, health services, life coaching, and less extent re-integration strategies to address their problems.ConclusionThe study shows street children are defenseless to harassments and denial of social protection services. Poorly designed policies, strategies targeting them, less political values, and traditional response by government has been subjugated, which made them prone to health and social problems. Therefore, finding might be beneficial to health data scientists, and policymakers; to design and implement policies, and strategic plans in addressing, and preventing their plights.

고령화사회의 농촌지역 범죄예방전략

Huh Koungmi(Keimyung University) The purpose of this study was to examine the crime prevention strategies developed and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United States in line with the aging and depopulation of rural areas, and to find ways to supplement and apply them to rural areas in Korea. As a crime prevention strategy in rural areas, the UN Secretariat for Drug Crimes presented local-based crime prevention strategies, life development crime prevention strategies, situational crime prevention strategies, and reintegration strategies as action strategies. In the case of the United States, the federal government, each state government, criminal justice agencies, including local police departments, and regional researchers developed various rural crime prevention strategies together, complementing each other and disseminating it. Representative rural crime prevention strategies include hotspot policing strategy, problemoriented policing, ACTION, Police-Mental Health Provider Co-Responder Model, outreach using social media, and support for criminal recovery through Offender Review Board. This study can be used as a security policy to promote the safety of rural residents, and is expected to trigger follow-up research in related fields.

Desistance and Recidivism Among Former Prisoners in Malaysia: A Proposed Model According to the Age-Graded Theory

The Age-Graded Theory suggests that the causes of premature delinquency and adult deviant behaviour are not the exclusive outcomes of individual characteristics since a particular incident in life can affect individuals, perpetuating their persistency in committing offences. This paper demonstrates that constructive events in life can successfully prevent former prisoners from being reinvolved in crime, whilst adverse life happenings can derail former prisoners from staying on the right path—a phenomenon known as recidivism. Adopting the phenomenology research paradigm, the findings of this paper are based on the empirical data from a Malaysian case study involving 19 former prisoners with criminal records of various offences. The findings of this study reveal that Age-Graded life-course events are essential predictors of former prisoner criminal behaviour, rendering the theory valuable, especially when it comes to modelling social reintegration strategies and interventions for former prisoners.

Adolescent and Parent Perceptions of the Impact of Concussion/mTBI on Family Functioning and Activity Levels in Recovery.

To explore adolescent and parent perceptions of the impact of a concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on family functioning and activity levels in the first 4 weeks of recovery. Outpatient research setting. Twenty-seven adolescents (aged of 13-17 years) within 1 week of a concussion/mTBI and a parent/guardian were enrolled in the study. Prospective ecological study with qualitative, semistructured interviews. Adolescents reported symptoms electronically every 2 days for 28 days via the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory. Semistructured interviews were completed with each adolescent-parent dyad at the end of the 28-day period. Interview questions focused on perceptions of recovery progress and study procedures. Symptom trajectories were variable across participants. Three main themes emerged from thematic analysis, including: (1) disruption of routines and activities, (2) injury management considerations, and (3) positive and negative influential factors (eg, school and coach support, timing of injury, and recovery expectations). Results highlighted nuances of recovery challenges that families specifically face and help emphasize the potential benefits of shared decision-making and where more guidance would be appreciated such as more specific self-management of symptoms and physical activity reintegration strategies. Study findings support a shared decision-making approach with the identified themes as potential topics to help consider social and environmental influences on recovery. The themes presented in the results could be topics emphasized during intake and follow-up visit processes to help guide plans of care and return-to-activity decisions.

The Facilitators and Barriers Faced When Transitioning Back into the Community Following a Prison Sentence.

This qualitative study explored ex-offender's community reintegration experiences following a prison sentence. Fourteen ex-offenders from the Offender Alumni Association participated in an in-person in-depth individual interview regarding their current roles, daily routines, living situation, activity participation, and current and future plans. A phenomenological approach using thematic analysis was employed for data collection and interpretation. The emerged themes were categorized under facilitators and barriers that influence healthy community reintegration. The facilitators included visualizing and committing to an ideal future, establishing a daily routine, upholding life balance, and discovering and connecting to external supports. The barriers included impediments to employment opportunities, lack of financial resources, social stigma, regulations imposed by the judicial system, disconnection from social advancements, and addiction to drugs and alcohol. The themes identified from the interviews suggest that current reintegration strategies and programs need to be improved in order to benefit ex-offenders seeking these services.

Unfolding the case of returnees: How the European Union and its member States are addressing the return of foreign fighters and their families

AbstractThe return of foreign fighters and their families to the European Union has mostly been considered a security threat by member States, which consequently adopt repressive measures aimed at providing an immediate, short-term response to this perceived threat. In addition to this strong-arm approach, reintegration strategies have also been used to prevent returnees from falling back into terrorism and to break down barriers of hostility between citizens in the long term. Amidst these different strategies, this paper seeks to identify which methods are most desirable for handling returnees.

Prison mental health in-reach teams in Aotearoa New Zealand: A national survey

The STAIR in-reach model of care for prisoners with serious mental illness focuses on screening, triage, assessment, interventions and reintegration by using the principles of assertive community treatment. An evidence base exists for the efficacy for its use in Aotearoa New Zealand. However, little is known about its adoption throughout the country. This national survey of managers of in-reach teams to all prisons (N = 19) aimed to determine the pattern of in-reach service delivery. It compared STAIR in-reach teams with other teams regarding service structure, staffing, interventions, reintegration strategies and training needs. This study signals gains made by adopting the STAIR model (multi-disciplinary team service delivery, ‘through the wire’ support and use of technologies to assist discharge planning) and potential areas of improvement (further use of psychosocial interventions and training needs). To assist national adoption of STAIR, a review is required to consider the cultural responsivity, gender-responsivity and recovery-orientated characteristics of the model.

Effective Return and Reintegration of Migrant Workers With Special Focus on ASEAN Member States

The right of citizens to return to their home countries is a human right recognized in international human rights instruments. Return and reintegration assume special relevance in a temporary migration cycle when migrants return to countries of origin within short periods on completion of their contracts. Return migration is one of the key pillars of the migration–development nexus as return migrants bring back financial, human and social capital which can promote home country development. However, few countries monitor the return of migrant workers or maintain databases of returnees. The paper focuses on return and reintegration issues, challenges and policies in member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It was prepared as the background document for the ASEAN Workshop on Reintegration Programmes for Returning Migrant Workers (27–28 August 2019) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, organized by the Ministry of Manpower, Government of Indonesia, and the International Labour Organization (ILO). It has been revised in the light of feedback received at the workshop. This paper first deals with definitional issues, and the rationale for reintegration programmes. It highlights different types of return: voluntary or forced, timing of return (long or short stay) and motives for return (retirement, end of contracts or forced) and their implications. Next it discusses general principles that should underpin all effective return and reintegration programmes: coverage of the full migration cycle; respect for migrant rights; addressing diversity of returnees; gender responsiveness; shared responsibility between destination and origin countries; and good evidence base. The paper next highlights issues and challenges which stand in the way of effective return and reintegration in ASEAN countries. This is followed by a discussion of good practice examples drawn from ASEAN and international experiences. The final section offers several suggestions and recommendations on the way forward. Reintegration policies should be developed within the framework of overall national development, employment, and migration strategies and policies. They need to be based on consultative and participatory processes with returned workers, local communities, central and local administrations, social partners, the private sector, diaspora communities and other concerned stakeholders. Reintegration strategies must address the diverse needs of returning migrants and their families. Gender considerations must be mainstreamed in such policies and programmes. All ASEAN member countries should collect information on return migrants and their profiles.

Integrated mental health screening for obstetric fistula patients in Mali: From evidence to policy.

BackgroundObstetric fistula significantly impacts women’s mental health and well-being. Routine screening for mental health in fistula repair programs can be a gateway to link patients to services, and can produce routine data to inform programmatic investments. This study observed the integration of a mental health screening program into an obstetric fistula repair program in Mali, with two specific objectives: 1) to describe the social and mental health well-being of women presenting with obstetric fistulas in Mali, and 2) to document the impact of the mental health screening pilot on policy change in Mali.MethodsSeven fistula repair campaigns were conducted between June 2016 and May 2017. All individuals presenting for fistula repair completed a mental health assessment at intake, including a depression screener (PHQ-9) and an assessment of psycho-social impacts of fistula. The depression screener was repeated three months following inpatient discharge. Findings were shared with stakeholders in Mali and impacts on policy were documented.ResultsOf 207 women who presented for fistula repair, 167 patients completed the mental health assessment at surgical intake, and 130 patients repeated the screener at 3-month follow-up. At intake, 36.5% of women had moderate or severe depression, decreasing to 16.9% at follow-up. The mean depression score differed significantly by timepoint (9.14 vs. 6.72, p <0.001). Results were shared in a report with stakeholders, and consultations with the Mali Ministry of Health. As a result of advocacy, mental health was a key component of Mali’s National Fistula Prevention and Treatment Strategy (2018–2022).ConclusionThe high prevalence of depression in Malian fistula patients underscores a need for more robust mental health support for patients after surgery. Data on mental health from routine screening informs community reintegration strategies for individual patients, elevates the overall quality of care of fistula repair programs by addressing patients’ holistic health needs, and contributes to evidence-informed decision-making and data-driven policy change within the larger health system.

From gender-blind to gender-transformative reintegration: women’s experiences with social reintegration in Guatemala

ABSTRACT Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) processes have become a standard component of international peace and security programming. Yet, in spite of increasing attention to the need for gender-sensitive DDR in policy and academic debates, the stereotypical ways in which female ex-combatants have traditionally been addressed have led to inadequate gendered reintegration policies. This article describes the effects of a gender-blind reintegration process on female ex-combatants’ experiences of long-term social reintegration in Guatemala. Social reintegration is a profoundly gendered process, which involves the rebuilding of civilian identities, social relationships, and trust between social groups. Based on in-depth interviews with female ex-combatants, this article describes how the absence of gender-sensitive reintegration strategies produced various problems for women. They faced difficulties in their emotional and family relationships, leading to mental health struggles and even violence, as well as persistent stigma which produced anxiety and challenges in the labor market. The article concludes with suggestions for making reintegration a gender-transformative process, by crossing the private–public divide, increasing collective strategies, and better aligning with transitional justice processes.

Post - effects of obstetric fistula in Uganda; a case study of fistula survivors in KITOVU mission hospital (MASAKA), Uganda

BackgroundObstetrical fistula (OF) is a public health challenge that is among the previously neglected components of maternal health in the developing world. The condition, which in the recent past has increasingly drawn more attention from the public, has a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of both women and girls worldwide. The most common cause of obstetric fistula in developing countries is prolonged obstructed labor affecting approximately 2 million women and girls across Africa and Asia.The objective of this study was to examine the post-effects of fistula and reintegration strategies of fistula survivors in Uganda.MethodsA descriptive case study design was used to collect data from women aged 15–49 years who had experienced OF and been successfully treated/repaired. Data collection was aided by in-depth interview guides designed for collecting qualitative data which was analyzed using thematic and content analysis.ResultsThe study results showed that 45.6% were aged 18–24 years, 43% had only primary level education and 55.7% of the women were married. Fistula survivors continue to suffer from shame, rejection, isolation and stigma, trauma and disgrace among other effects even after successful repair/surgery. Some of the reintegration strategies for fistula survivors include; seeking for successful repair, remarriage and relocation from their parent communities to new environments.ConclusionIn addition to capacity building, changing attitudes and strengthening the health system, a comprehensive and holistic fistula care approach is required to facilitate the reintegration process and restoration of women dignity.