Abstract

While there is a wealth of literature on recidivism following release from correctional facilities, it remains unclear whether this desistance process varies across offender types. Specifically, individuals convicted of sexual offenses (ICSOs) may face unique challenges upon return to the community and thus, it is important to explore how ICSOs plans for transitioning to the community and remaining crime free differ from individuals convicted of general (non-sexual) offenses’(ICGOs). To this end, the present mixed-methods study aimed to explore both ICSOs and ICGOs perceptions of reentry and desistance upon release from prison. A sample of male ICGOs (n = 139) and ICSOs (n = 106) nearing release from a maximum-security prison were interviewed about their crimes and expectations upon release. Overall, ICSOs and ICGOs reported similar levels of preparedness for reentry and obstacles to desistence (e.g., negative influences, employment/schooling). However, ICSOs anticipated difficulty complying with restrictions, which may be a result of the unique legislation they are subject to upon release. Overall, this study sheds light on the importance of programming and transition services to prepare those being released from correctional facilities for reentry, particularly those convicted of a sexual offense who may face additional barriers when returning to their communities.

摘要

虽然有大量关于从惩教设施释放后再犯的文献，但尚不清楚这种停止过程是否因罪犯类型而异。具体而言，被判犯有性犯罪 (ICSO) 罪的个人在返回社区后可能会面临独特的挑战，因此，重要的是探索 ICSO 过渡到社区和保持无犯罪的计划与被判犯有一般（非性）罪行的个人有何不同犯罪”（ICGO）。为此，本混合方法研究旨在探讨 ICSO 和 ICGO 对再入狱和出狱后不再入狱的看法。男性 ICGO ( n  = 139) 和 ICSO ( n = 106) 即将从戒备森严的监狱中释放出来的人接受了采访，了解他们的罪行和释放后的期望。总体而言，ICSO 和 ICGO 报告了相似水平的重返社会准备和持续存在的障碍（例如，负面影响、就业/上学）。但是，ICSO 预计难以遵守限制，这可能是由于它们在发布时受到的独特立法约束。总体而言，这项研究阐明了规划和过渡服务的重要性，以帮助那些从惩教设施释放的人做好重返社会的准备，尤其是那些因性犯罪而被定罪的人，他们在返回社区时可能会面临更多障碍。