Social Work and the Rehabilitation of Ex-Convicts in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

The successful reintegration of ex-convicts into society is a key indicator of the effectiveness of a nation's criminal justice and social welfare systems. This study investigates the contribution of social work to the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-convicts in Plateau State, with emphasis on correctional facilities and community reintegration programmes in Jos and Barkin-Ladi. Adopting a descriptive survey design, data are collected from 80 ex-convicts, correctional officers, and social workers through questionnaires and personal interviews. Descriptive statistics are employed in analysis. Findings reveal that ex-convicts face significant barriers to reintegration, including social stigma, unemployment, lack of shelter, and broken family relationships. Social workers attached to correctional services are reported to be limited in number and often lack specialised training in rehabilitation psychology and resettlement planning. Community hostility and employer discrimination compound the difficulties faced by released offenders, contributing to high recidivism rates. The study recommends investing in prison social work as a specialised field, establishing post-release case management services, engaging local employers in skills-based rehabilitation partnerships, and sensitising communities on the social benefits of ex-convict reintegration. Keywords: rehabilitation, ex-convicts, social work, correctional services, reintegration