Abstract
The research explored the experiences of the formerly imprisoned and ex-system with an intricate survey catering, particularly to the leadership programs and healing circles they attended for support. The participants, chosen from the Leadership Institute of Underground Scholars, shared their stories of being in jail and meeting the law before and after their incarceration. Quantitative research highlighted the dynamics of certain demographic factors, while qualitative data provided the core grounds for connecting them with the themes of resilience, empathy, and empowerment. Findings demonstrate the tremendous impact of these roles within the healing circles, illustrating the need for programs such as the Underground Scholars Initiative, which offers individuals the opportunity for reintegration and community building. Ethics played a major role throughout the research process, with importance given to the safety and confidentiality of the participants. Despite the constraint on the sample number, the study recommends the broader acceptance of the contribution of formerly incarcerated people. It designates the way for more research to enrich the knowledge and support systems.
Introduction
Today, as the topic of incarceration is discussed in society, it goes beyond the four corners of a prison, markedly influencing individuals and neighborhoods. The effects of incarceration are not limited to the time frame of imprisonment but reach out to the mental, emotional, and societal aspects of the individuals involved. At the same time that society is solving the issues of reintegration and rehabilitation, alternative support methods begin to appear, which are based on healing and community empowerment. Buchanan (2020) notes that leadership and healing circles that gather communities around specific, individualized goals are also gaining support. These circles allow people to voice their experiences, get over their feelings, and foster individual development. Built on the pillars of restorative justice and community recuperation, such circles provide a comprehensive structure for the multi-dimensional tasks of reintegration and recovery (Quimby, 2021). Specifically, ex-offenders have different perspectives, strengths, and abilities that stimulate healing among themselves and their respective communities. Through their authorial leadership in these circles, they guide the healing process and take back control of their narrative and identities.
Research Questions
- How do imprisoned people feel about using leadership training programs, mainly their effect on their personal lives and the community?
- What are the main themes of qualitative responses that suggest the role of healing and leadership circles in the reintegration and healing processes of ex-incarcerated individuals?
- What influence do these leaders within the self-help treatment centers and empowerment circle have on the individual self-image and the societal reintegration of the ex-convicts?
- What are the benefits and pitfalls reported by the former prisoners who led healing and leadership circles?
- How does the Underground Scholars Initiative at the University of California, Irvine, promote the reintegration and empowerment of formerly incarcerated people through leadership development courses?
Objectives
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- To illuminate subjectively the experiences of the ex-offenders during the leadership training and examine how such experiences contribute to their social growth and residence participation.
- For theme identification and analysis of the qualitative data gathered from participants ‘ answers concerning their participation in healing and leadership circles, aiming at comprehending the significance of these circles in the reintegration and healing journeys following incarceration.
- To investigate the consequences of assuming the responsibility of organizing healing and leadership circles on the self-perceptions, self-efficacy, and social reintegration processes of formerly incarcerated individuals in terms of survey questions and qualitative interviews.
- To visualize the pros and cons of former inmates who are leaders in the community healing and leadership circles and to study the intricacies of this process and the factors that drive their leadership effectiveness.
- To evaluate the potency of the Underground Scholars Initiative for the reintegration of ex-convicts, focusing on the effectiveness of leadership development programs in cultivating personal growth, community engagement, and successful reintegration.
Literature Review
The review will dive into the theory and practice of healing circles, the viability of peer support in the criminal justice system, and the ability of leadership training for system-impacted people to transform.
The Psychological Impact of Incarceration
It is nearly always tough to adapt to incarceration, and occasionally, this can lead to thought and behavior patterns that become problematic throughout the post-prison transition phase. However, the psychological ramifications of jail differ for every person and are frequently recoverable. Wallace and Wang (2020) articulate how the mental and physical health status of jail sentences affects their possible recidivism. The study is focused on the SVORI dataset, which includes the multi-state sample of male ex-offenders who are traced from imprisonment to their community reintegration. Wallace and Wang’s study uses hierarchical logistic and multinomial regression techniques, and it is organized into 2180 person-periods nested within 871 respondents. The main goal of this study is to determine if individuals’ health during imprisonment and any changes after release correlate with recidivism rates. In one of the most important discoveries, a link between physical health and a case of an offender’s reoffending was depicted. It is quite the opposite of what should be expected because better physical health during and after being released from jail increases the odds of further reoffending. This surprising finding indicates that higher fitness levels may not necessarily lead to positive behavior changes after release. The study differs beyond simply recognizing that better mental health while in prison, as well as improvements in mental health after being released, are connected to the lower probability of recidivism. In particular, it was found that those who had mental health problems while they were in jail and showed a significant improvement afterward had the most substantial decrease in the odds of recidivism.
Post-Incarceration Challenges
Ex-offenders must face years of little contact, possible anger, and a shift in the dynamics of the household after they return home since they rely on their family. Chavez’s (2020) study is a major contribution to the field of research, which studies the factors that influence the homelessness of formerly incarcerated people. Chavez implies that homelessness is a social disability that is increasing in its account, and it is critical to examine why this is happening. The dissertation focuses on housing insecurity, employment challenges, and the lack of social support as the major issues that increase the risk of homelessness among recently released inmates. The study proposes that the increasing homelessness is because a large number of people have been released from prison. The research carried out by Chavez shows that the mark of a criminal offense on an individual’s record often leads to many people being unwillingly thrown out on the streets due to a lack of funding and social support. The possibility that the punishment for crime keeps going after the individual has served the actual sentence is especially distressing since this means that even after they have been released, the individuals may be prevented from reintegrating fully into society. Moreover, the study reveals that a robust support system could be the key to rehabilitating such people.
Healing Circles: Theory and Practice
The healing circle offers people a way to investigate the connections between identity and health from the perspective of medical anthropology. Morales et al. (2023) researched the healing circles used to strengthen the resilience of undocumented people. The study was conducted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing existing inequalities and stressors among undocumented people in the United States. Introducing healing circles based on native traditions to strengthen individual members and form community ties is on the ground of practice, which implies that it is a strength-based approach. The study authors describe these circles as a solution to the overwhelming stress felt by undocumented individuals related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated challenges. The research is centered around a recognition that undocumented communities usually experience particular stressors, such as the deportation threat, family separation, and their limited access to resources, which are likely to exacerbate any crises like the pandemic. Because of that, the study could be used to illustrate the importance of healing circles as a culturally appropriate intervention. The authors suggest that these groups can provide a secure environment for sharing feelings, fostering mutual support, and giving each other creative ways to deal with problems.
Peer Support in Criminal Justice
Peer support experts can aid in justice diversion by assisting individuals in regaining stability and purpose following their release from jail or prison. Ray et al. (2021) assess the efficacy of peer recovery services for individuals exiting prison into the community. The study concentrates on those with a history of substance abuse (SUD), which is a category tremendously overrepresented in the prison setting and under community monitoring. This randomized clinical trial studies the effects of peer recovery coaches nested within a known community reentry program, looking at several proximal outcomes to act as markers and exploratory outcomes. Despite the high attrition due to re-incarceration, death, and program disengagement, the research suggests that program participants who received support from peer recovery coaches experienced self-reported mental and physical health improvements as well as reductions in use behaviors. The research has shown how integral peer interaction is in recovery and that such interventions may serve as a basis for positive recovery processes. The treatment group was also evidenced by increased motivation for treatment and self-efficacy. Although the two groups in the trial evidenced positive results in some areas, the fact that peer support coaches were present was linked to a greater impact, demonstrating the additional benefit of peer engagement in reentry programs.
Empathy and Shared Experiences
The role of common experiences in support groups in building empathy and understanding must be considered. Sinclair (2022) proposes that shared narratives of personal stories, challenges, and triumphs in a group setting strongly indicate that emotion among the participants might rise, causing empathy and a comprehensive understanding of the situations of different individuals. It deals with sharing one’s life experiences or viewpoints and strategies to help one deal with similar life changes or opportunities. This connection can diminish the sense of loneliness and stigma by providing an inclusive environment characterized by mutual dignity. Additionally, self-discovery enables one to learn more about the self and boosts self-esteem and self-confidence through recognizing and validating one’s identity and abilities. In support groups, empathy, facilitated by shared experiences, is also affected by the group’s structure and ground rules. Establishing rules and requirements will create an environment for the members to think thoughtfully and respectfully.
Leadership Training for System-Impacted Individuals
Recovery is critical in helping those who have served time in prison to change their lives and gain leadership abilities. Aguilar (2023) accounts for the essentiality of creating leadership avenues for the people rehabilitated in correctional facilities within the nonprofit sector. Aguilar’s work is a culminating research report focusing on the obstacles incarcerated individuals encounter as they re-enter society and the nonprofit sector. Aguilar underlines the central role of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and justice in a nonprofit organization and stresses the significance of recruiting individuals who share lived experiences related to the nonprofit’s mission. The report elaborates that community people are widely considered token representatives and need the appropriate equipment and resources to take off challenges as leaders. Through this, Aguilar argues for a more comprehensive hiring process and the erection of a leadership pipeline that facilitates the growth and empowerment of previously incarcerated people. The ideas presented by Aguilar are based on the necessities and points of view of these returning community members, which further shows the significance of representation and support of system-affected individuals in their leadership path.
Restorative Justice and Community Healing
Restoring connections in societies, healing everyone involved, and mitigating the pain associated with crime are the main goals of restorative justice, which is a transformative method of resolving harm. Polavarapu (2023) makes a convincing case for backing community-based restorative justice systems from a human rights perspective. Polavarapu does not just see restorative justice as an alternative to the legal-criminal system but rather as an independent, rights-based justification for these practices. In stark contrast to the traditional rights-based approach, the report must include the missing link of the human rights duties to society. In theory, citizens and communities are put forward to play their part in preventing and redeeming those wronged or wronged by their conduct. Polavarapu believes that the community seating of restorative justice offers an opportunity to fulfill these duties and impose the principle of respect. The author investigates the forms of such duties and their role in the practice of community-based restorative justice, wherein they help create a fair environment for all the involved parties and assist in reaching broader human rights goals.
Barriers to Reintegration
Many people are released from jail each year and encounter significant obstacles upon reentering the community. Buck et al. (2022) have a thought-provoking discussion regarding the difficulties and facilitators people face leaving prison and returning to society. The research is important because it shows that reintegration into the community is not only a unidirectional process but also many factors affecting how one can either be embraced or shunned from the community after one’s release from prison. The authors use qualitative research to identify the primary obstacles that lead to the reentry population’s struggles. These are the factors such as the stigma they face, insufficient jobs and houses, and limited access to health and social support systems. Usually, such obstacles bring about the cycle of recidivism since the chances of successful reintegration of those who have ever been imprisoned into a separate life outside a prison environment are becoming minimized because they remain deprived of the basics that are needed for a stable living. The authors stress the need for a system that is structured to address the specific needs of the homeless population, which includes mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training.
The Underground Scholars Initiative
The Underground Scholars Initiative (USI) is a pioneering initiative that tries to give higher education open doors to formerly incarcerated people. As Murillo (2021) pointed out, the project was started at the University of California, Berkeley, and has since expanded to the whole system of the University of California; it presents the ideal of educational equality and support for system-impacted students. USI is a case in point that manifests the deep significance of education in the reintegration process and the role of education as a tool for bettering oneself. The initiative makes higher education accessible to all, which is not achieved by only providing access. It also provides a healthy social environment where these students can grow personally and academically. Students in USI enjoy mentorship, network creation, and resources tailored to address the challenges formerly incarcerated students encounter.
Validation of USI is illustrated by its ability to combat recidivism among participants either directly or indirectly. Through developing an educational program focusing on career development, USI provides a second chance for people to leave prison and build lasting stability. The program focuses on empowerment and leadership development, and participants make proposals for development within their communities. The role played by USI influences the individuals and the whole movement. Murillo (2021) notes that it tests society’s stereotypes around imprisonment and emphasizes the capabilities of formerly incarcerated people to succeed as students and professionals.
Empowerment Through Leadership
The leadership positions are life-changing for previously incarcerated individuals, as they offer opportunities to be part of society again and do community service correctly. Leadership experiences can help such people establish a sense of purpose, self-sufficiency, and self-esteem essential for achieving their reentry goals and reducing recidivism. Based on Pollock (2020), leadership positions can increase a person’s employability, expertise, self-esteem, and positive associations. These functions are generally multifaceted and highly engaging, and their main purpose is to help young people acquire initiative, make decisions, think through problems, and develop communication skills. Through leading, they can showcase the fact that on their shoulder lies society’s responsibility, giving them more chances to become accepted by society, something that was not always possible for some of them.
Leadership changes also bring the once imprisoned to become examples and spokespersons for others in similar circumstances. They can anchor on their experiences then, serve as mentors and motivators to peers, and, in the process, create a supportive environment where they can share their experiences to boost other women’s confidence and resilience levels. Such peer support is the bedrock for an environment that acknowledges and answers the specific obstacles former criminals encounter. In addition, leadership positions in community organizations and advocacy groups could afford the formerly incarcerated the opportunity to influence policies and systemic changes. Through that, they can give meaningful practice to the criminal justice system and help improve rehabilitation and fairness in society. The leadership-empowerment nexus is advantageous not only to individuals but also to the entire society. It promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and, hence, breaks down the barriers that may restrict the involvement of the formerly incarcerated in economic, social, and civic life.
Methods
Survey Design and Participant Selection
The research started with the survey design to target those who have experienced incarceration and system impact. The survey was diligently administered to generate data regarding the applicability of the participants to the criminal justice system, their encounters with it, and their participation in training programs. The survey involved quantitative and qualitative questions facilitating the comprehensive data analysis. Additionally, participants were selected from a pool of individuals from the Underground Scholar Institute of Leadership who were already enrolled. To qualify for the study, participants had to meet two criteria: they should be either formerly incarcerated, whose experience with the justice system was evident, or the system directly experienced by the justice. In total, 13-15 individuals were approached, representing a small yet not limiting size that was enough to be able to provide answers to the research questions.
Data Collection Procedures
Data was collected by applying the survey to the ten participants in our leadership training program. The questionnaire was distributed in a way that honored the privacy and confidentiality of the respondents. All the people who expressed their ideas have been told that anonymity of their answers would be provided and used for this research only. Moreover, the survey incorporated demographic questions verifying that all respondents were previously incarcerated and system-impacted. More detailed questions concerned the participants’ experience with the law, time spent in prison as an adult, and their experience with leadership positions after prison. The questionnaire included open-ended questions that enabled the participants, in their own words, to share the experiences that they gained as a result of leading the healing and leadership circles.
Data Analysis Procedures
The gathered data was subjected to a thorough analysis at the end of the survey. Quantitative data, such as the percentage of the population who have been incarcerated or had any encounters with the law, was analyzed through descriptive statistics. This presented the participants with an intuitive medium for visualization of the contexts and their risks. The open-ended data from theme deriving was qualitatively analyzed using the thematic analysis. Fife-Schaw (2020) notes that this process implies defining, processing, and presenting already-found patterns of information. The purpose was to discover the topics that shed light on the matters of rehabilitation and leadership circles and their role in the reintegration and healing of the individual.
Ethical Considerations
However, ethical considerations were the most important factor in the research process. The study was conducted by observing the principles of the dignity and rights of the participants and taking care of their well-being. During the recruitment of volunteers, informed consent was signed by all of them, containing the information about the goal, procedure, and their freedom of choice to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. As Xu et al. (2020) noted, all information was collected only after a confidentiality guarantee, with the assurance that data was anonymized and properly secured. The research was done with utmost respect to the participants, considering the sensitive nature of their experiences and the fragility of the population under study.
Reference to the Underground Scholars Initiative
The study employed the Underground Scholars Initiative at the University of California, Irvine, where participants were recruited. Murillo (2021) notes that this program is designed to give people formerly incarcerated and currently involved with the criminal justice system a sense of belonging and encourage them to reach their full leadership potential. This program exemplifies how these projects can inspire healing and acceptance among this group and is a potential tool for treating and supporting others facing similar challenges.
Results
Demographics and Background
The undertaken survey demonstrated that every participant (100%) previously had been in prison and had been involved with the system, so this setting out the focus of the study was solid. Demographic homogeneity in this setting, which existed earlier, contributed to the fact that the insights gathered were necessarily tailored to the society where the population of interest lives. The survey additionally found out that there was a percentage (90%) of the participants who had, prior to their prison incarceration, interactions with the law, which highlighted a prevalent interaction with the justice system that extended beyond their prison experience.
Incarceration History
One of the key features of the investigation was to assess the level of the respondents’ encounters with imprisonment. The results were telling: 80% of the study participants had been adults with prior incarcerations. This data is not a mere fact but stands for the lives of people who have become victims of the criminal justice system. Exhibiting such disparities reflects the significance of programs that particularly meet these community group members’ needs.
Empathy and Understanding
All research was conducted assuming that the previously incarcerated people present a phenomenal degree of empathy and understanding, which, if used properly, could bring the needed healing and modeling to the group members. The concept was supported by the results of the survey, as evidenced by the participants having their own stories about their trips from jail to the outside world that showed what they had to go through mentally and emotionally. They illustrated vividly the importance of unwavering resilience and the power of compassion in rehabilitation.
Leadership and Healing
The survey attempted to capture the effect leadership roles had on the healing process of the participants. The data indicated that taking up such posts as leaders of the healing and leadership circles was very influential in the perception of self and reentry to the community. This was where many felt empowered and validated with a sense of purpose, which had been lost when they were released from prison.
Qualitative Insights
Aside from the numerical data, the answers given by the participants offered qualitative information on their experiences. The themes of hope, change, and community were shown, revealing the intricate weave of recovery. Many testimonies centered on the circles as a haven for everyone, irrespective of judgment, and that in those places, the participants had an opportunity to relate their experiences to others with similar circumstances.
Impact of the Underground Scholars Initiative
The survey results reflected the program’s leadership and community-building aspect. Participants could say that the initiative gave them the tools and support to lead effectively and in an environment promoting healing.
Discussion
The homogeneity in participation among the individuals rooted in incarceration underlines that the criminal justice system exerts adverse implications on their lives. The continued encounters with the system (90%) and the substantial adult prison time (80%) among participants reiterate the systemic challenges they are facing in the system and upon release. The survey results draw attention to hiring the formerly incarcerated as coaches who can utilize their acquired understanding and sympathy stemming from shared experiences. Not only do they suffer from the impacts of this profound experience, but they are also witnesses of this universal way of thinking that has been implanted in them through surviving the same mental and emotional difficulties. Matthews (2021) states that empathy is important, considering that healing and leadership circles are based on trust and relatability.
The contribution of the Undergraduate Scholars at the University of California, Irvine, is especially impressive. Murillo (2021) highlights that by showing educational entities’ contribution toward reintegration, the program demonstrates settings where higher educational organizations could play a vital role. The USI of Leadership, where the survey was performed, is concrete evidence that mighty leadership may bring positive transformations in the lives of persons categorized as part of the criminal justice sector. The data supports that participation in programs focusing on leadership, peer interactions, and support is significant in steering them on the right path during their rehabilitation journey. Establishing a community where compassion or bonding experiences are treasured enriches their value, reduces recidivism, and helps achieve successful reintegration. Furthermore, the majority of voting residents have a view that changes how society views and accepts the contribution of former inmates to the community. Their lived experience, which may be reflected in their future leadership and support roles, can help provide unique support that is not available from any other place to the people exiting prison and hoping to integrate into the community fully.
Limitations and Future Research
Even though the results are positive, we should consider the study’s shortcomings. Sample size would be satisfactory to get the initial feel of the broad spectrum, but it is problematic because it is limited; therefore, the sample can only represent part of the population of people who used to be in prison. Lastly, this study uses data people collect, which biases can influence. Further study can develop this research by featuring a more varied population and adding longitudinal data to study the lasting effect of healing circles and leadership skills.
Conclusion
Along with the survey results, it can also be clearly shown that formerly incarcerated individuals can recover from their suffering and trauma by facilitating and leading the healing circles, and the latter needs to be introduced on a wider scale. Besides, it gives investment opportunities for expanding initiatives such as this one and pushing for a system rethinking of reintegration strategies to address deficiencies in the lived experiences and leadership traits of system-impacted individuals. However, the target is to develop an empathetic, attentive, and inclusive society, emphasizing that growth and change are possible for any individual despite his past. While pondering these findings, we remember each one’s ability to overcome a challenge and assist the ones in need. This research is not just numbers; it is a call to action, telling us to completely turn how we support system-impacted persons and recognize their worthiness as healers and leaders.
References
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