The Power of Resiliency: Navigating the Challenges of Community Corrections

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

Individuals released from prison on a felony conviction are almost always required to serve a period of DOC-mandated supervision that typically range anywhere from 12-36 months. This period of DOC supervision is often referred to as “parole,” or, in Washington State’s case, “community corrections.” At its inception, community corrections was offered as a rehabilitative back-end alternative to incarceration. Today, it has transformed into an institution of control and surveillance. The far-reaching consequences of community corrections and the experiences of the individuals under its control have long gone underreported. This study explores how individuals experience and navigate the challenges of community corrections. The analysis of 10 qualitative interviews of individuals released on community corrections in Washington State reveals three findings. First, the challenges that individuals faced on community corrections led to an overall negative impact. Second, despite these challenges, every participant managed to avoid revocation due to various examples of resilience. Third, individuals were able to be resilient much due to the quality of support networks and resources that were available to them. This research has the power to promote the safety, equity and justice for a population that is too often left out of the conversation for criminal justice reform.

Author

• Leah Weiser, University of Washington