A qualitative analysis of African American fathers’ struggle with reentry, recidivism, and reunification after participation in re-entry programs

ABSTRACT

The experiences of African American fathers with reentry, recidivism, and reunification after a period of incarceration and after participation in a re-entry program. Results of the thematic analysis yielded the following major themes: unaddressed childhood trauma, self-identification, reentry; self-esteem and self-worth; reentry; family reunification after incarceration; and recidivism. Unaddressed childhood trauma and post-release stress emerged as the major barriers to successful transition from incarceration. Implications for social work policy, research, practice, and education are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• African American fathers
• African American men
• reentry
• reunification
• incarceration
• corrections