Frontline Social Service Workers' Experiences Supporting Sexual and Reproductive Health of People Who Have Been Incarcerated.

BACKGROUND

Research on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care among women and gender-diverse people in prisons in Canada demonstrates gaps in access to health information and institutional barriers to care. Women and gender-diverse people leaving prison often access community supports provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The experiences, needs and skills of staff at these organizations with respect to supporting client SRH are under-researched.

METHODS

This study followed a community-based design involving four qualitative focus groups at partner organization sites, for a total of 30 participants. Participants included directors of NGOs, case workers, peer support workers, and housing support workers. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four key themes emerged from our analysis: (1) Pregnancy in transitional times; (2) Encouraging and accompanying clients to care; (3) Am I supposed to do this? Role conflict; (4) Being realistic: Navigating child welfare.

CONCLUSION

In the transition from custody to community, SRH services are frequently required. Frontline staff working with people recently released from prison are motivated to enhance their ability to support client SRH.