Reintegration of returning citizens in the absence of formal transition programs: experiences from Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract The reintegration of returning citizens after release is influenced by the quality of the rehabilitation in correctional centers as well as the appropriateness of the transition programs and the support afterwards. The prison administration in Ethiopia provides vocational trainings and behavioral counseling to change the criminal intent of inmates. However, there is no formal transition program being implemented. The study examined the reintegration efforts of returning citizens in relation to their experiences in prison and after release. The reflections of inmates as well as prison staff are also considered to substantiate the returnees’ experience after release. Although no formal transition programs are in place, returning citizens have managed to successfully reintegrate mainly because of the experiences in prison that influenced their behavior and the support from families and credit firms after release. The vocational training the returning citizens attended in prison did not, however, help them secure a job. The need to review existing training programs and strengthen the link between correction centers and stakeholders is discussed.