“I Want a Second Chance”

Abstract

With over 700,000 people on average released from prison each year to communities, greater attention is warranted on the experiences and needs of those who are parents and seeking to develop healthy relationships with their children and families. This study seeks to explore the experiences of African American fathers in reentry. Qualitative data from 16 African American men enrolled in a fellowship program for fathers were collected from a focus group and analyzed for common themes and using standpoint theory. Four themes emerged that focused on fathers’ commitment toward healthy and successful reintegration postincarceration: redemption, employment, health care, and social support. Focus group participants actively strive to develop and rebuild healthy relationships with their children through seeking gainful employment and through bonding with like-minded peers. Barriers in accessing health care are also discussed. Research findings may inform future programs and policies related to supporting fathers and their children in reentry.

Structural barriers explain the link between negative community re‐entry experiences and motives for illegal behavior in street‐identified Black men and women

“…Marked with stigma and pervasive marginality, returning citizens are substantially less likely to secure employment than nonincarcerated individuals (Silver et al, 2021), they report more stress associated with strained family relationships (Liu & Visher, 2019; Liu et al, 2021), and the majority do not have access to needed medical or psychiatric care (Mallik‐Kane & Visher, 2008; Salem et al, 2021; Williams et al, 2020). In their qualitative study of Black fathers, Dill et al (2016) identified several barriers impeding community transition and healthy family relationships, including difficulty accessing affordable housing and obtaining financial stability. These findings highlight the diverse unmet needs of Black returning citizens and the hurdles they face during reintegration into under‐resourced, low‐income communities.…”

“…Hlavka et al (2015) assert that offenders who can manage the stigma of “spoiled identities” are better placed to obtain successful re‐entry. Positive beliefs about one's future self related to success and accomplishment, such as the need for redemption or a “second chance” are also integral in overcoming re‐entry barriers (Dill et al, 2016; Giordano et al, 2002; Gurusami, 2017). Such studies highlight the complex nature of the re‐entry process and provide evidence that varied perceptions of re‐entry influence the behavior of returning citizens.…”

Family reunification after fathers are released from prison: Perspectives on children's adjustment

“…At the same time, father involvement with children is often a competing priority for men, leading to steps that promote successful parent–child engagement (Charles et al, 2021). Fathers not only seek out housing and employment to support reunification goals with their children but often attribute children as a primary motivator for desistance to crime (Charles et al, 2019; Dill et al, 2016).…”