Canadian correctional program officers facilitating programming for sex offenders: The stickiness of stigma

The stigma of being convicted (or suspected) of sex-related offenses is long recognized, resulting in people being viewed as being the most abhorrent of offenders. Sex offenders (SOs) have been studied, as well as the parole and correctional officers who work with them. Yet, despite their centralized role in prisoner rehabilitation, correctional program officers (CPOs) facilitating programs to SOs have yet to be examined in relation to their interpretations of SOs and of prison culture around SOs. Drawing on interviews with 12 CPOs who have delivered SO-focused programming to groups of SOs exclusively, we unpack the stigma and label of SOs in institutions and the community, the perceived implications of stigmatization on SO and CPOs, and on their ability to complete programs safely and successfully. Our findings reveal i) SOs remain stigmatized with repercussion for reintegration opportunities; ii) SOs remain at the bottom of the prisoner hierarchy; iii) SOs require support to physically attend programs; and iv) the SO stigma sticks to people facilitating sex offender programs. Findings are discussed in relation to stigma theories but also considerations for program delivery and CPO education and wellness are put forth.