The role of family ties in the social re-integration of imprisoned women

• In Event: PWG - Family relationships, parenting, and reintegration

Abstract

Social reintegration of imprisoned women can be a challenging process often characterized by frustrations and setbacks. The current paper explores the role of family ties in prison reentry through the perspectives of incarcerated women. The study included 134 semi-structured interviews with incarcerated women. Participants were recruited from correction facilities and prison departments for detaining women located in Greece. A total of 110 of women inmates (81%) reported being mothers. Parenting and contact with other family members was shaped through phone calls and visits. Although most of the inmates (81 women) mentioned that they have been visited by their family members, more than half of them reported that family visits were scarce. Moreover, 53 women reported they hadn’t had any visitation from their family mainly due to difficulties faced by the family to cover the expenses for the visitation trip. Incarcerated women perceived family and visits from children and other family members as a source of strength during imprisonment. Most of the participants highlighted the importance of reconnection with the family of origin and with their children for their life to proceed smoothly after incarceration. Some women stressed the need to start their own family. For most of the women reunification with family signaled a peaceful life, with no trouble. Overall, the findings indicated that according to incarcerated women family can play a significant role in their reentry by providing emotional support and a safe place for the ex-prisoner to start over.

Authors

• FOTINI MILIONI, EPANODOS _Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection

• Elli Anitsi, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens