Factors influencing (un)successful reintegration of individuals who have served a prison sentence: the social workers’ perspective

Abstract

This article aims to present an empirical study that seeks to reveal the factors that have a positive and negative impact on the process of reintegration of individuals from the perspective of social workers. Research subject: the process of social workers’ assistance in working with former prisoners.

Reintegration is a process aimed at helping individuals who have experienced social exclusion to re-engage with social, economic, and institutional systems. People in prison are separated from society, which makes it important to discuss the reintegration process itself, how it occurs, and which factors have a positive or negative impact on individuals’ constructive change. This group of people often faces both direct and indirect discrimination, as well as stigma. Social networks and the media also strongly contribute to forming negative public perceptions of this group. Success stories and examples of positive personal change are rarely highlighted in social media or the press. Therefore, it is important to research and discuss the fact that people are capable of change, to share success stories, and to demonstrate to society that not all individuals who have committed crimes will engage in criminal behavior again. Individuals who have been released from prison are an integral and valuable part of society (Ramakers, Aaltonen, Nieuwbeerta ir Dirkzwager, 2025). Maintaining social connections with relatives and family members greatly influences successful reintegration, individuals who maintain positive relationships with their families have better financial stability and receive psychological and social support (Berg ir Huebner, 2011). Successful reintegration requires that individuals return to a safe environment. If a person returns to a harmful setting with substance abuse or neighborhood crime, reintegration is often unsuccessful, and reoffending may occur (Morenoff ir Harding, 2014). Successful reintegration also requires returning to the labor market; however, individuals more often face stigma and discrimination than success. Employers tend to see people with a ‘criminal’ label and do not give them the opportunity to demonstrate their work skills (Pralgauskienė, 2013). Individuals face discrimination not only when seeking employment but also when looking for housing. Successful reintegration is also significantly influenced by the length of incarceration and the prison environment. Positive change is affected by prison conditions, including the availability of hygiene in the physical environment, positive relationships with others, absence of violence, respectful treatment, and professionally provided support focused on dignity and promoting constructive change. Unfortunately, in prison, people often experience violence, bullying, and disrespect, and their dignity is not protected, which negatively impacts their mental well-being. According to Cunha, Castro Rodrigues, Caridade, Dias, Almeida, Cruz ir Peixoto (2023) Incarceration is directly associated with poorer mental health for most individuals; as a result, after serving a prison sentence, people often face even greater health problems. Authors argue that when individuals’ mental health is properly supported, the likelihood of reoffending is significantly reduced.

In Lithuania, the topic of social workers’ professional experience and the provision of support to individuals released from incarceration is relatively new. Social workers began their activities in correctional institutions only in 2021 (Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, 2022). In the Probation Service, social workers were first employed in December 2022 (Lithuanian Probation Service, 2024). Since the assistance provided by social workers to individuals who have served prison sentences is not well known or developed, it is important to highlight the activities performed by social workers, the support they provide, and the significance of this work. Social workers, when working with this group of people, use various social work methods, motivate clients, address social and emotional issues, and act as intermediaries. Social workers play a crucial role in supporting individuals released from incarceration, as they identify individual needs, consider personal challenges, provide counseling, and help clients reintegrate into society (Reamer, 2020, as cited in Winston & Buhori, 2024). Shapland, Robinson, and Sorsby (2011) state that social workers not only facilitate social integration but also motivate individuals, enhance self-confidence, and help them discover their strengths. Hartfree, Dearden, and Pound (2008) revealed that social workers assisted people released from prison in addressing various social and psychological problems, and the support provided greatly contributed to successful reintegration.