NCJ Number
243785
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 77 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2013 Pages: 17-21
Date Published
June 2013
Length
5 pages
Annotation
After defining and conceptualizing social support, this article identifies sources of social support for offenders and discusses the provision of social support through community supervision as well as offender-centered strategies that improve social support.
Abstract
Halpern (2005) suggests that most forms of social capital have three components: a social network; shared network behavioral norms, values, and expectations; as well as sanctions that assist in maintaining norms within the group. Using these three components, it is clear that social support and positive pro-social networks can be vital in supporting ex-offenders in desisting from criminal behavior. On the other hand, it is also evident that interaction with social networks of crime-prone peers can promote reoffending. Most research argues that offending behavior further erodes weak social support, i.e., offending is most likely among those already identified as being "at risk" due to their social environments and family backgrounds. Community supervision of offenders is most effective when it encourages participation in normative social institutions that encourage prosocial behaviors. These include family, school, work, social service, and civic organizations. Research on effective correctional practice also points to the importance of case managers' assistance to offenders in addressing issues related to supportive experiences and interactions within these social institutions. This requires that these areas of an offender's life be continually reviewed by the case managers so that prosocial behaviors are reinforced. Resolving problems in these important social institutions also requires that offenders learn stress management skills; relapse prevention strategies; problem-solving; goal-setting; and the management of spare time, boredom, and loneliness. 68 references