Compatibles ou non? Étude de la nature des rôles de surveillance et de soutien à la réinsertion sociale à travers les représentations d’intervenants cliniques en centre résidentiel communautaire
This investigative study, which focuses on interpretation and meaning, identifies and fosters a better understanding of the dual roles, supervisory and supportive, of clinical practitioners working among federally and provincially incarcerated male offenders in community residential facilities (CRF) during reintegration periods. Using a phenomenologically inspired approach, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted; 11 of which were conducted with community clinic practitioners, while three were conducted with support facilitators. The identification of the dual roles of individuals working in community residential facilities raises a number of questions and identifies numerous challenges, while presenting a matter of interest for both clinicians and the scientific community.   The representations illustrated by the material that was collected demonstrate that the RNR model is omnipresent when it comes to the roles of the participants. Risk management and risk factors are key issues for the individuals we interviewed. Tension between the intent to comply with the RNR model commonly defended by the correctional service and the humanistic approach historically associated with community corrections was recorded in all of the interviews. The interviewed stakeholders attempt to negotiate a system based on risk management and a non-directive humanistic model. The findings of this research suggest that feelings of stress, heaviness or anxiety among some stakeholders are linked in part to the principle of accountability, but also to a misperception with regards to their roles with clients—when should one act as a figure of authority and when should one, instead, employ the role of helper or aide.  In order to safeguard themselves from affliction that could lead to interpersonal relationships, participants appear distant with regards to the choices and pitfalls of their clients, for their clients must learn to become more empowered and take responsibility for their actions. The irony lies in the fact that the majority of participants experience, at one time or another, a sense of guilt towards a client. In other words, they are predisposed to approach their clients in a burst of sympathy/empathy. A level of emotional engagement with clients, which some participants performed eloquently, could represent one of the major challenges facing a professional compelled to exercise dual roles. Dual roles give rise to challenges for clinicians, particularly when it comes to professional and personal/emotional maturity levels.  Although unable to draw a final conclusion from the research conducted, the difficulties encountered by participants in connection with their work, particularly for young stakeholders, could be linked to a conflict between the desire to provide support and assistance and the desire to manage risk.
Support double role risk management social reintegration