Perceptions of ex-offenders regarding re-integration into their communities : case study of Engcobo Local Municipality (Eastern Cape Province)

This research study is based on exploring perception of ex-offenders regarding reintegration back to their communities. This was accomplished by means of collecting data from Engcobo Local Municipality ex-offenders. The aim was to find out whether do ex-offenders welcomed in their communities or not, and what might be the challenges they encounter if they are not welcomed. The research considered the fundamental understanding of ex-offender discrimination and labeling including the role of Department of Correctional Services in supporting the reintegration of ex-offenders. The issue of criminal record as a barrier to employment for ex-offenders was also taken into consideration as the base to recidivism. Labeling theory is used in the study as to support the notion to why people engage themselves fully into criminal behavior and how it leads to one obtaining a criminal record. The finding about the study stipulated that ex-offenders are faced with enormous challenges during re-entry into their communities hence they bounce back to correctional centers time and again. Recommendation for the study to different stakeholders has been also discussed.This research study is based on exploring perception of ex-offenders regarding reintegration back to their communities. This was accomplished by means of collecting data from Engcobo Local Municipality ex-offenders. The aim was to find out whether do ex-offenders welcomed in their communities or not, and what might be the challenges they encounter if they are not welcomed. The research considered the fundamental understanding of ex-offender discrimination and labeling including the role of Department of Correctional Services in supporting the reintegration of ex-offenders. The issue of criminal record as a barrier to employment for ex-offenders was also taken into consideration as the base to recidivism. Labeling theory is used in the study as to support the notion to why people engage themselves fully into criminal behavior and how it leads to one obtaining a criminal record. The finding about the study stipulated that ex-offenders are faced with enormous challenges during re-entry into their communities hence they bounce back to correctional centers time and again. Recommendation for the study to different stakeholders has been also discussed