Transformative struggles: The lived experiences of probationers in the Philippines

Probation is a form of community-based correction; after probationers are released from jail, they face various obstacles to their personal and social lives. This study investigated the lived experiences of probationers. A qualitative-descriptive phenomenological research design was used in this study to explore the experiences, challenges, and impact of the probation programs on the quality of life of probationers. The responses were transcribed and analyzed using the thematic code analysis of Braun and Clarke (2006). Purposive sampling was used in this study as the researcher’s sampling method. The study identified 10 probationers from the Province of Zamboanga del Norte who participated in an in-depth interview and focus group discussion using a researcher-made interview guide. Three themes emerged from the experiences of informants as recipients of probation: Happiness Despite Difficulties, Striving for fulfillment, Unfathomable Misery of Probationers, Besmirched Reputation, Economic Distress; All-Around Crisis, Life-Changing Techniques, and Probationer’s Dedicated Heart were the three themes from addressing the challenges encountered and three from the impact of the programs to the quality of life of the informants which were the Probationer’s Extraordinary Development, Absolute Life Transformation, and A Change Person. The findings asserted that they were victims of circumstances and needed to be part of a community-based correction by the probation program. They all have the potential to change and renew their lives. They deserve to be on probation rather than in jail, where they may be tainted by incorrigible persons deprived of liberty. Their happy stories are signs and the road to their stable recovery. The miseries of probationers however are the repercussions of their past deviant actions. The recognition of this detrimental effect can be viewed as a positive indication of recovery.