A Qualitative Exploration of Reentry Service Needs: The Case of Fathers Returning From Prison

The challenge of community and family reentry after a parent's release from prison remains an under-addressed area of collateral damage stemming from high rates of U.S. incarceration. Many fathers released from prison return to living with family, and later attribute family connections and parent-child contact as key factors in their post-release success. However, reentry planning is hampered by a dearth of research on family-focused reentry services, and consequently, often omits attention to resuming family and parenting roles. To address this gap, we conducted 38 semi-structured interviews with 19 previously incarcerated fathers, 9 co-parenting mothers, and 10 relatives to explore service needs of fathers during reentry. Findings suggest programs not only should be multimodal, emphasizing family connections complemented by socioeconomic, self-care, and social support services, but also should be accessible and relatable, offered within the community, and engaging for fathers and family members. Findings reinforce the importance of self-determination and human agency while underscoring the multiple challenges fathers face upon reentry. By including the voices of those most affected by incarceration, this study advances knowledge to shape reentry programs and policies, contributes to efforts addressing criminal justice inequities, and promotes well-being among formerly incarcerated parents and their families.