Undergraduate thesis.

The main aim of this study is to know the relationship between the adjustment from prison and the transition to the community life of incarcerated women. Further, this study looked into the life of selected {93}ex convicts{94} (persons deprived of liberty) and described the lived experiences and challenges they encountered from conviction to liberation. Data for this qualitative phenomenological study were collected thru a validated questionnaire. The six co-researchers must be incarcerated women. Phenomenological interviewing was used in data gathering to describe the meaning of the phenomenon (the individual ex-convicts lived experiences) that each selected by key informant shared. The results obtained show that both formal institution and informal social networks had influenced ex-prisoners in various ways and its effect differ. While formal institutions helped ex-prisoners accession to various social assistance like therapeutic programs, rehabilitations, and smooth readjustment to the community. Informal social networks (families, peers, relatives, or neighbors) had dual impacts: on one hand had provided social support like emotional, psychological counseling, advice, and material supports which facilitated ex-prisoners to start a new life easier. Those inmates aged 26-50 were well adjusted inside the prison and at the same time have optimistic views in their transition to the community. Female inmates who have stayed zero to five years in prison were considered very well adjusted and very optimistic rather than the female inmates who for 5 or more years. The parole and probation were encouraging the female inmates to become more participative in reformation programs (Therapeutic Community Program) because it would help them to lessen their sentence.