Organizing the Convicted Self-Help for Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners

Abstract

A group of researchers studied Chicago area ex-offender and prisoner groups. Although the groups asserted and pursued a wide array of goals, some patterns did emerge. Some common objectives were (1) identity of self and group, (2) self-help, (3) self-change, (4) survival, (5) change of public attitudes, and (6) system change. One primary focus of all groups is the survival needs of the parolee immediately on release.