NCJ Number
255790
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 59 Issue: 6 Dated: 2020 Pages: 315-333
Date Published
2020
Length
19 pages
Annotation
In this study, men who participated in group and individual mentoring activities during their stay in an adult transition center and after their release to supervision in the community shared their experiences of the mentoring.
Abstract
Qualitative findings from this reentry mentoring program evaluation demonstrate the importance of establishing and maintaining relationships with specific characteristics during the process of successful transition of citizens returning to their communities from prison. Significant gaps in knowledge of this process include understanding the experiences of these citizens as they navigate the challenging transition and identifying what they need to achieve successful reentry. As a component of this evaluation, qualitative data collection and analysis produced a thematic narrative that describes and explains how they perceived and valued their mentoring relationships. The findings suggest the importance and complexity of supportive relationships during the reentry transition, and how such relationships can potentially lead to crystallization of revised identity and an increased capacity to desist from behavior responsive to a negative or crime-saturated identity. Development and maintenance of such supportive relationships are recommended throughout the reentry process to achieve the effective use of services and have a successful transition. (publisher abstract modified)