A community engagement orientation among people with a history of substance misuse and incarceration

Abstract

Community engagement, or acting on behalf of the collective, can provide a variety of rewards. Nonetheless, people who misuse substances are less likely to endorse such goals as making a contribution to society or correcting systemic inequities. As people modify their use of drugs or alcohol, they have been shown to draw purpose from community engagement. This mixed methods study examined contributors to a community engagement orientation among 68 respondents with a history of substance misuse and incarceration. Findings: In the initial qualitative analysis, four themes emerged related to the respondents' sense of purpose in life. The theme most frequently mentioned, community engagement, is the focus of this study. Discriminant analyses revealed that those endorsing community engagement goals were older at the onset of heavy drinking, more likely to have received public assistance, more highly educated, as were their mothers, manifested greater self-esteem, and had previously been involved in an organization addressing community concerns. Applications: Social workers might assist clients in identifying and manifesting what they believe to be their purpose in life, with particular attention to community engagement. In this way, they may utilize the wisdom gained from challenging experiences to benefit others and bring about social change.

Reducing Deviance Through Youths’ Mutual Aid Group Dynamics

“…A mutual aid group refers to a group of people helping each other to solve their problems (Flogheraiter & Pasini, 2009). As many youths with deviant behavior problems form mutual aid groups to tackle their problems, the youth group members merit practical and research concerns (Redman, 2010). Notably, research has found that such a mutual aid group helps its members to reduce their risk of deviance, such as alcoholism, substance abuse, and offense (Jagendorf & Malekoff, 2000).…”

“…The mutual aid group can involve youths who have behavioral problems or deviant behavior, including substance abuse and offense, typically with the aid of social workers, who are responsible for quelling the problems (Jagendorf & Malekoff, 2000; Kacen & Bakshy, 2005). In addition to such youth mutual aid groups, mutual aid groups are widely applicable and popular to people with various problems (Emond, 2003; Karabanow, 2004; Redman, 2010).…”

On the meaning of life: A qualitative interpretive meta synthesis of the lived experience of life without parole

“…Positive criminology theories propose that the personal resilience of offenders is capable of aiding in the desistance of crime (Ronel & Elisha, 2011), and it is not a far reach to imagine that resilient prisoners can also contribute to the healing of individuals and communities harmed by crime. In Redman’s (2012) study on substance abusers and previously incarcerated persons, three out of four cited elements of community engagement as a desired source of purpose in their lives. Restorative justice theorists and practitioners boldly argue that meaningful restoration of the community by repentant offenders is possible in even the most serious violent crimes (Umbreit, Coates, Vos, & Armour, 2006).…”

Transferability of the youth foyer model for women exiting the criminal justice system

“…These studies highlight the importance of supporting women to address issues of trauma and victimisation, build relationships, particularly post release, address financial obligations, build skills in parenting and resolve legal issues linked with child custody disputes. Scroggins and Malley (2010) discuss the importance of a mixed focus approach legitimising skill building across all areas – education, social connection and parenting, and Redman (2012) emphasises community engagement. Improving outcomes for their children has been found to be a key motivator for women in choosing to participate in individual or programmatic interventions, both while in prison and post release (Baldry, 2010; Berman, 2005).…”