Re-integration or disintegration? Exploring the journey of individuals reentering society after prison

• In Event: Prison Working Group: Education, treatment, and rehabilitation of people in prison

Abstract

Since 2019, the Dutch government has implemented a new policy aimed at enhancing reintegration after prison, with the goal of reducing recidivism rates. This policy shift emphasizes greater attention to reintegration both during and after imprisonment, improving key factors such as housing and income, and strengthening the role of case managers within prisons. To date, however, there is little insight into how this new policy is experienced by individuals in prison themselves. In this large-scale two-year qualitative study, a sample of 100 imprisoned men and women has been followed from the moment just before release to six months after release. Through interviews and analysis of case files, we examined which reintegration activities have been offered and undertaken by individuals during and after prison, how they experience their reintegration process and areas for improvement.

While a large part of the sample met at least two basic conditions upon release, our findings indicate that problems occur after prison in the realms of material, social and personal reintegration. It is shown that (formerly) imprisoned individuals have to navigate highly complex systems to ‘get things done’ which can be challenging and demotivating, potentially hindering their reintegration efforts. Furthermore, released individuals display low levels of trust in re-integration professionals and organizations. Overall, the current reintegration policy seems to work for a specific part of the prison population - the ones that are already quite self-reliant and know how to navigate the system. However, for a larger part who lack the skills and knowledge to navigate these systems effectively, existing policies fall short. This underscores the need for targeted interventions and support tailored to the diverse needs of individuals reentering society after prison.

Authors

• Rosa Koenraadt, Criminology, Leiden University, the Netherlands

• Jennifer Doekhie, Leiden University

• Anouk den Besten, Leiden University