An examination of social policies for ex-convicts: The case of Düzce province

This thesis examines the role of social policies in the reintegration process of former convicts released from penal institutions. The fieldwork was conducted in the province of Düzce, involving qualitative data collection through semi-structured interviews with 40 former convicts. The demographic characteristics of the participants, types of offenses, incarceration experiences, prison conditions, and the social, economic, and psychological challenges encountered after release were comprehensively analyzed. Findings indicate that participation in prison-based programs such as courses, seminars, and vocational workshops positively contributes to reintegration; however, the limited continuity of these programs, lack of post-release support, and the mismatch between vocational training and labor market demands reduce their effectiveness. The study highlights the importance of probation practices in facilitating social adaptation. Nevertheless, the lack of individualized support mechanisms in this process limits its impact. While state-sponsored social aid and vocational training partially improve participants' living conditions, their limited accessibility and continuity hinder their overall effectiveness. In particular, the structural barriers posed by criminal records during job-seeking processes reinforce social exclusion and prevent economic independence. Research findings reveal that current social policies targeting former convicts in Turkey are predominantly short-term and centrally implemented. There is a pressing need for person-centered, holistic, and sustainable strategies. The absence of effective public awareness campaigns to reduce social stigma increases the risk of recidivism and complicates social integration processes. In this context, the study proposes the following policy recommendations: regulatory reforms to facilitate the labor market participation of former offenders; revision of vocational training programs in alignment with market needs; expansion of psychosocial support services at the local level; restructuring of probation practices according to individual needs; and strengthening coordination between civil society and public institutions. Moreover, social policies should not solely focus on the post-release period but be structured to support rehabilitation throughout the incarceration process