Roles, Opportunities, and Challenges of Social Workers in Three Selected Correction Settings of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

The involvement of social workers in the criminal justice system in general and correction setting in particular is one of the pressing demands of the time. At the heart of rehabilitation, social workers are the vanguards who provide sustainable psychosocial support for the individuals in need. With this in mind, this study explored the roles, opportunities, and challenges of social workers in three selected correction settings of the Oromia region. Qualitative research approach with case study design was employed to answer the research questions. Accordingly, 12 key informant interviews, 10 in-depth interviews, observation and document review were utilized to collect data. Purposive sampling technique was used to select participants. Thematic analysis was made to extract meanings out of the data. The result showed that social workers were playing tremendous roles in the areas of counselling, linking clients with resources and mediating conflicts. The research highlighted increasing demand for social work interventions, changing narratives of correction philosophy, and the availability of NGOs supporting social work initiatives as the opportunities for correction social workers. While playing these roles, social workers encountered numerous challenges in relation to misunderstood role of correction social worker, unsafe workplace, lack of interest to work in the correction settings, financial constraints, and emerging challenges. The findings are very encouraging and inspiring for researchers who would like to carry out further research in the criminal justice in general, and correction settings, in particular. It is implied that strengthening social work practice in the correction facility is very pivotal.