This study examined the experiences returning citizens (RCs) have in participating in different reentry programs and how these experiences may lead to improved well-being and quality of life (QOL). We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with RCs participating in employment-oriented reentry programs. The interviews focused on participants' reentry programming experience and areas affecting their well-being (e.g., housing, education, financial stability). QOL was enhanced for RCs when they were able to access stable housing, develop supportive relationships, have a job that permitted them the resources needed to live independently, and increase their perceptions of self-efficacy and social capital. While reentry programs maintain a focus on employment for RCs, housing, healthy relationships, and opportunities for increasing self-efficacy and social capital are tied to well-being and QOL among RCs. Reentry programs have the potential to influence a variety of factors at multiple levels that shape well-being and QOL, and in turn employment and recidivism, among RCs.
Keywords: education; employment; prisoners; prisons; quality of life; self‐efficacy; social capital.
© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Community Psychology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.