Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The article analyses the importance, content and impact of social workers' assistance to families of convicted persons on family well-being, especially when the family faces emotional, social, economic and interpersonal challenges during the period of imprisonment. The main forms of assistance are discussed informational, emotional, mediation and reintegration and their significance in ensuring family functioning and strengthening internal resources. The theoretical basis is the model of family systems, crisis management and social support, which helps to explain the changes and risk factors caused by imprisonment. Qualitative analysis allows us to state that social workers' assistance to families of convicted persons is complex, multi-layered and necessary for family well-being. Informational and administrative support helps the family to orient itself, psychosocial support strengthens emotional stability, and mediation ensures the effectiveness of cooperation. Reintegration planning helps ensure that the convict returns to a prepared, supportive and safe environment. This essentially reduces the risk of recidivism and contributes to the creation of a safer society. The results of the study reveal that social workers are essential participants in providing assistance and maintaining family ties, helping to reduce social exclusion and create conditions for a smoother reintegration of convicts. The article provides recommendations for social work practice, emphasising the need for interdisciplinary cooperation, consistent assistance and individualised interventions. Qualitative research revealed that the assistance provided by social workers to the families of convicts is essential for maintaining their emotional and social well-being. Psychosocial and informational support are the two most important forms of assistance that help families cope with the consequences of imprisonment. The mediation function ensures smooth communication between institutions and the family, reducing anxiety and legal misunderstandings. Reintegration planning is essential for the success of the convict's return to the family. Systemic challenges indicate the need to strengthen interagency cooperation and social worker resources.
Institution: Vilnius University of Applied Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7127921079