Barriers to re-reintegration: investigating families’ reluctance to welcome rehabilitated forensic mentally ill relatives back into their homes in Thulamela municipality, South Africa

Abstract

Reintegrating forensic mentally ill patients back into their families is difficult. This study explored the factors contributing to the reluctance of families to accept forensic mentally ill rehabilitated patients. The study engaged five families of rehabilitees who have undergone rehabilitation at Hayani Psychiatric Hospital. The findings highlighted the persistent trauma and anxiety among caregivers, leading to a preference for continued institutional care or halfway house placement. The study highlighted the significance of integrated service programs addressing caregivers’ specific challenges faced by family caregivers of mental relatives to facilitate successful family reunification and community integration.