A qualitative exploration of reentry service needs: The case of fathers returning from prison

Abstract

The challenge of community and family reentry after a parent's release from prison remains an under‐addressed area of collateral damage stemming from high rates of U.S. incarceration. Many fathers released from prison return to living with family, and later attribute family connections and parent–child contact as key factors in their postrelease success. However, reentry planning is hampered by a dearth of research on family‐focused reentry services, and consequently, often omits attention to resuming family and parenting roles. To address this gap, we conducted 38 semi‐structured interviews with 19 previously incarcerated fathers, 9 co‐parenting mothers, and 10 relatives to explore service needs of fathers during reentry. Findings suggest programs not only should be multimodal, emphasizing family connections complemented by socioeconomic, self‐care, and social support services, but also should be accessible and relatable, offered within the community, and engaging for fathers and family members. Findings reinforce the importance of self‐determination and human agency while underscoring the multiple challenges fathers face upon reentry. By including the voices of those most affected by incarceration, this study advances knowledge to shape reentry programs and policies, contributes to efforts addressing criminal justice inequities, and promotes well‐being among formerly incarcerated parents and their families.

Evidence informed fatherhood program: An evaluation

“…Research shows that fathers with histories of incarceration need emotional and psychological support and help with navigating systems to meet their basic needs as they rebuild their relationships with their children after release (Muentner & Charles, 2020). Most fatherhood intervention programs for men with criminal histories at the time of study focused on rebuilding ties with their children but did not engage in the comprehensive work of addressing their psychological needs and reestablishing them in their communities (Chaney et al, 2021).…”

“…Recent research indicates that fathers with incarceration histories need emotional and psychological support, as well as help with navigating systems, to meet their basic needs as they rebuild their relationships with their children after release (Muentner & Charles, 2020). For example, the social stigma associated with incarceration in the United States makes it incredibly difficult for men to obtain employment and housing after release (Alexander, 2010), both of which are key elements of community reentry.…”

Thoughts Beyond Stigma-Implications for Change Reflected in the Voices of Previously Incarcerated Citizens

“…State and federal prisons in the United States release more than six hundred thousand people annually, and nearly 95% return to their communities (Muentner & Charles, 2020;Sinko et al, 2020). However, the large Journal of Qualitative Criminal Justice & Criminology Thoughts Beyond Stigma-Implications for Change Re ected in the Voices of Previously Incarcerated Citizens 3 majority do not remain.…”

“…Accompanying and often guiding policy are inadequate or misdirected reentry programs (Muentner & Charles, 2020;Ortiz & Jackey, 2019). Control in the form of parole surveillance is the focus of many fiscal and human resources (Ortiz & Jackey, 2019;Ortiz & Wrigley, 2022).…”

Challenges Associated with Parenting While Incarcerated: A Review

“…It has been recommended that parenting programs, specifically for parents who are re-entering, not focus on parenting skills per se but focus on ameliorating the many barriers’ parents face when reuniting with their children (e.g., financial, mental health, coping skills, etc.) [ 100 ].…”