Motivational interviewing while being incarcerated provides a basis for carrying out the principle of responsivity by suggesting a style of communication that makes it more likely that offenders will listen, will be engaged in the process, and will be more ready to make changes (Walter, Clark, Gingerich, & Meltzer, 2007) and its role in criminal justice is becoming increasingly emphasised in research and practice (Clark et al., 2006). Motivation predicts how likely a person is to initiate and carry through with an action. It is not a fixed trait like height or eye colour; it can be increased or decreased. Motivation is interactive talking with the corrections staff that can raise or lower the offender’s motivation and guide what the offender talks and thinks about. Motivation can be affected by both internal and external factors, but internally
103
motivated change usually lasts longer. Internal factors include how actions fit with personal values or goals (Mann, Ginsburg, & Weekes, 2002; Walter et al., 2007). Motivational interviewing plays an important role in the relationship between correctional staff and inmates and helps to encourage inmates to change and make positive decision (Walter et al., 2007).
Motivational interviewing is a person-centred method of encouraging change by helping a person explore and resolve indecisive behaviour (Miller & Rollnick, 2002). Rather than using external pressure, motivational interviewing looks for ways to access internal motivation for change. It borrows from client-centred counselling in its emphasis on empathy, optimism, and respect for client choice (Rogers, 1961). Motivational interviewing also draws from self-perception theory, which says that a person becomes more or less committed to an action based on the verbal stance he or she takes (Bem, 1972). Therefore, an offender who talks about the benefits of change is more likely to make that change, whereas an offender who argues and defends the status quo is more likely to continue his present behaviour (Walter et al., 2007).
Participants did not seem to have been motivated while incarcerated. This is also been discussed in the theme “relationship with correctional officials”. Participants did not have a good relationship with the correctional officials. They felt that the correctional officials were happy to see them struggle after release. Only one participant would not let the correctional officials get to her and this was because of what she called “crazy faith”. For her to survive, she needed extreme faith in God and used her faith as her motivation. For Alice, her faith encouraged and gave her hope that she would be able to find employment. She felt the need to be determined and not let anyone discourage her.
104
Alice: You also need to be very stubborn, very stubborn in a sense that everybody tells you that a criminal record means no job but you need to come to a point where you realise that somebody bigger is in charge.
When applying for her current job, Alice disclosed her record and sentence. She stated that she left everything in God’s hands. Her record did not come up during her interview. Alice believes that she has been forgiven by God and that she has been given a new beginning to start her life.
Alice: Sent my CV with everything being stated every little thing yes because it indicated over there like I said to you God covers everything I was expecting that question I was expecting that because I put it over there In writing criminal record I say YES sentenced but it never came forth during the interview Then I said oh okay, God okay just cover it so it’s not important so why should I worry about the past because He says you must forget about the past because you are doing new things so why should I worry about it.
Employment has been shown to be a good predictor of lower recidivism rates. Stable, satisfying employment is a critical predictor of post-release success for individuals released from correctional facilities (Harris & Kelly, 2005; Loockwood et al., 2011). Offending has been linked to social disadvantage and on average offenders are confronted with a wide range of social challenges. Poverty, poor education, unemployment and poor physical health, accompanied by alcohol, drug and mental health issues, intellectual disability, and poor social and communication skills, may place an individual at high-risk of re-arrest and return to corrections (Social Exclusion Unit, 2002). Baldry, McDonnell, Maplestone, and Peeters (2002) described social isolation as a central part of many former offenders’ experiences as a result of homelessness or unstable, unsuitable housing. Offenders returning to the
105
community with weak or no family support are less likely to succeed in reintegration than those with strong family support (Nelson, Deez, & Allen, 1999).
Although none of the participants have re-offended, they all spoke about women whom they had seen while they were incarcerated returning after re-offending. The women would say that they could not cope outside as they had nothing, no job, and no home. The participants did not understand why these women would want to go back to the correctional facilities but once released they found themselves facing similar problems and were now able to understand and related to the women who kept on offending in order to go back, once released they realised that it was not easy. A range of social barriers including stigmatization and discrimination toward former offenders, loss of social status in the community, fear and hostility among the general community, the fear to ask about applications for housing, employment, and further education have also been identified as factors released offenders have to deal with (Solomon, Gouvis, & Waul, 2001). Accommodation is a vital area that may affect successful transition into the community and present a barrier to a more positive lifestyle. Problems finding and sustaining stable, livable, and affordable accommodation can impact on various psychological and health-related conditions, social network and employment (Solomon et al., 2001).
Anna explained that many women returned to correctional facilities because of the lack of employment and that incarceration meant a meal and accommodation.
Anna: Especially those who are stealing in the shops shoplifting, they release them today tomorrow they are back serious I have seen that. When you ask them why they say we can't live outside we can't find a job we can't find anything so it is better here.
Anna reflected on her situation and admitted that if it was not for her husband who has employed her, she too would be jobless.
106
Anna: But even if my husband did not open the company I will be at home doing nothing staying there, where will I get a job? Sometimes you will go they want fingerprints or your CV you can't find a job it's not easy.
Channel explained that when one is released, they leave with nothing and it can be very difficult to survive without any assistance once released.
Channel: Nothing so can you imagine if you do not have a family? If you struggling?
Six broad domains have been identified as influencing reintegration of former offenders, including personal conditions, social network or environment, accommodation, criminal justice system, rehabilitation and counselling support, as well as employment and training support (Graffam, Shinkfield, Lavelle, & Mcpherson, 2004). Former offenders may have various psychological conditions including depression, low self-esteem, and low motivation (Fletcher, 2001).
Alice also shared the same experience that when she was released, she needed basic things like clothes. The uniform is worn when incarcerated but once released there is a need for clothes. Money is needed to adapt back into the community and without assistance it can be very difficult.
Alice: And hmmm the other thing that happens is you become so fearful of asking them things like money because remember you were wearing a uniform all this time now you go out before you were arrested you were wearing size 32 now you come back you are size 40 sometimes the clothes are not fitting.
Alice felt misunderstood by her family and probation officer. She would have benefited from a support group to help her cope. A support group or group therapy can offer many benefits in that it helps members realise that they are not alone. Yalom and Leszcz (2008) identified some benefits of a support group which involve
107
not being alone, giving and receiving support, expressing your feelings, relating to others and self, and providing a safety net. Group members may feel that their experiences are unique and that they are the only ones that have certain frightening or unacceptable problems, thoughts, or impulses. In the support group, members discover that they are not alone and that there are others that share the same experiences. Participating in group therapy helps to give and receive support members encouraged to give each other support, feedback, and connection. Being in a group helps members find their voices, by becoming aware of their own feelings and needs and being able to express themselves. Group therapy can help people see how they relate to others and how they relate to themselves it also provides a safety net in which members can discuss and update each other on decisions consequently improving confidence and courage (Yolam & Leszcz, 2008). Alice needed to be in an environment where she felt safe to share her experiences and challenges and knew that she would be understood. The perfect environment to meet her needs would have been a support group.
Alice: It is so difficult you know if there was something like a support system; let's say for an example like a support group of ex-offenders meeting and then talking what are the difficulties we talk the same language that you understand. I’m having this; I can’t sleep; I’m having this difficulties with this; I’m having difficulties with let’s say for example then out of those, then there is a parole board officer in the middle coming through okay fine now I can assist you by doing this. But you are on your own and you mess up it is like you messed up, go back those things are quite small but they quite big because they can definite change your life completely.
Alice spoke about the challenges she faced. How when she was released she had basic needs like the need for personal space, clothing, and money but was not able
108
to ask her family for assistance. She felt alone and needed a support group. Coping financially and emotionally after release is not only challenging but creates fear of uncertainty towards the future. Having a job and someone to rely on or assist is one of the main points that were shared. In the family theme, I will discuss further how participants feel about the relationships they have with their families and friends.