Abstract
In this chapter I examine the experiences of parole in South Australia. Specifically, I explore three dimensions: 1) how (would-be) parolees try to take charge of their post-custodial circumstances in order to avoid being “set up to fail”; 2) how over-policing (and outright police harassment) can inhibit successful integration into the community; and 3) how the right “type” of parole officer can make a positive difference even in the most difficult situations. In concluding I suggest that in political climates governed by a heightened emphasis on risk management, the capacity to build therapeutic and productive relationships with clients is largely pushed out of the frame. Implications for successful reintegration are briefly discussed.
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Notes
- 1.
Due to perceptions of “high risk” by government personnel, permission to interview juveniles about the impact of parental imprisonment was not obtained.
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Acknowledgements
Data for this work was collected under the Generations Through Prison project, funded by the Australian Research Council (FT120100284). The author is most grateful for such support.
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Halsey, M. (2016). Prisoner (Dis)Integration in Australia: Three Stories of Parole and Community Supervision. In: Armstrong, R., Durnescu, I. (eds) Parole and Beyond. Palgrave Studies in Prisons and Penology. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95118-5_7
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