Affiliations: University of the Western Cape, Belville, South
Africa
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Mogammad Shaheed Soeker, Department
of Occupational Therapy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17,
Belville, 7535, South Africa. Tel.: +21 959 9339; Fax: +21 959 1259; E-mail:
msoeker@uwc.ac.za
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The study is aimed at exploring, describing and
understanding the experiences and perceptions of male ex-offenders with regards
to their participation in skills development and/or training programmes. METHODS: The research methodology utilised the qualitative research
paradigm, specifically using the tradition of phenomenology. To gather data
from the participants, focus groups and face to face interviews were conducted,
consisting of broad questions followed by probes to gain an in-depth
description of participants' experiences and perceptions. PARTICIPANTS: Five males who were classified as being ex-offenders
and one female (key informant) participated in the study. RESULTS: Three themes emerged that reflected the vocational
experience of ex offenders: 1) A sense of distrust, 2) A sense of support:
Giving back to the community through learning and doing, 3) Working towards
change through capacity building. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study suggest that occupational
therapy practitioners as well as correctional service personnel should identify
and eliminate the barriers that impacts on return to work intervention
programmes. Professionals working with offenders and ex-offenders should
incorporate the enablers identified in this study when designing return to work
programmes.
Keywords: Occupational therapy, occupational deprivation, vocational rehabilitation and qualitative research
