This exploratory study focuses on the experiences of 18 parolees released after serving a federal sentence of over two years into two small cities in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada in terms of the supports and challenges they faced in reintegrating into communities where tolerance for ex-offenders was problematic. The study aims to provide hitherto unexamined aspects of reintegration issues from the point of view of the parolees themselves. Their interpretation of events and examination of the difficulties (and acceptance) they received in the two communities add a further dimension to discussions about successful reintegration and rebuilding of their lives after incarceration. To that end, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using a narrative approach that was informed by Shaw's (1930) study of the life-history in The Jack Roller and Maruna's (2001) psychosocial approach to desistance. The interviews, however, were analyzed in their entirety which kept parolee voices distinct and individual. Findings focus on three main areas: the ubiquity of transcarceral controls on parolees' lives and the impacts of generational cycles of loss and abandonment on the ability to reintegrate successfully; the impacts of mental health problems, addictions, unemployment and poverty on individual attempts to reintegrate; and the development of communities of choice within the Canadian "Metis nation" as described by Saul (2008). Related issues include the pressure to remain "invisible", a permanent "outsider", in communities upon release, and definition of successful reintegration or desistance in terms of a continuum rather than a dichotomy of "criminal"/"law-abiding citizen".

The rationale of this research is to present a scientifically founded comparative study regarding parole. The comparisons are summarised on a theoretical and fundamental basis regarding: Release on parole:: A Penological Comparative Study, in order to highlight the diverse approaches to parole by certain countries. In this study the statutary and policy making management methodology of parole by correctional systems and parole boards is couched in an overview of literature, using the historical development of parole as the general point of departure. Countries included in the research are, the United States of America, Australia and Britain with specific reference to Alabama, New York, Georgia, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australië respectively The overview of literature and concommittant empirical investigation, defines and discusses specific and relevant legislation that culminates in the operationalisation and management of the granting of parole. The contemporary operationalisation applicable to the re-integration and treatment of the offender in the community is discussed and the reality in the practical exercise of supervision and control over the offender on parole, is also incorporated into this study. It is clearly discernable in the study that the South African parole system is based on international trends in which important influences emmanate from Australia and the United States of America During considerations regarding parole natural justice as a fundamental right of an offender is considered in light of the audi alteram partem rule. / Penology / D. Litt et Phil. (Penology)

The purpose of Parole Supervision is in twofold, namely: ... The successful reintegration of the offender to the community; and ... The protection of the community against further criminal behaviour by parolees. The Department of Correctional Services endeavours to achieve the above mentioned objectives through stringent placement criteria and individualized parole conditions, and intensive supervision by surveillance officials of community corrections and volunteers. / Penology / M.A. (Penology)

The rationale of this research is to present a scientifically founded comparative study regarding parole. The comparisons are summarised on a theoretical and fundamental basis regarding: Release on parole:: A Penological Comparative Study, in order to highlight the diverse approaches to parole by certain countries. In this study the statutary and policy making management methodology of parole by correctional systems and parole boards is couched in an overview of literature, using the historical development of parole as the general point of departure. Countries included in the research are, the United States of America, Australia and Britain with specific reference to Alabama, New York, Georgia, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australië respectively The overview of literature and concommittant empirical investigation, defines and discusses specific and relevant legislation that culminates in the operationalisation and management of the granting of parole. The contemporary operationalisation applicable to the re-integration and treatment of the offender in the community is discussed and the reality in the practical exercise of supervision and control over the offender on parole, is also incorporated into this study. It is clearly discernable in the study that the South African parole system is based on international trends in which important influences emmanate from Australia and the United States of America During considerations regarding parole natural justice as a fundamental right of an offender is considered in light of the audi alteram partem rule. / Penology / D. Litt et Phil. (Penology)

The purpose of Parole Supervision is in twofold, namely: ... The successful reintegration of the offender to the community; and ... The protection of the community against further criminal behaviour by parolees. The Department of Correctional Services endeavours to achieve the above mentioned objectives through stringent placement criteria and individualized parole conditions, and intensive supervision by surveillance officials of community corrections and volunteers. / Penology / M.A. (Penology)