Speakers
Parallel Workshops
Crime desistance research often focuses on individual agency and formal interventions, yet little attention is given to the role of informal desistance agents—family members, friends, and partners—who provide crucial support during this transition. While theories of social support, differential association, and social learning recognize the influence of social ties, most studies focus on offenders' perspectives, rarely exploring who supports them and how. This research investigates the experiences of informal desistance agents, examining how they become involved, the challenges they face, and their interactions with formal justice actors. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews are conducted with a diverse sample of informal supporters recruited through community organizations, social media, and referrals from a larger criminological project. Thematic content analysis is applied to identify key patterns in their narratives, such as emotional strain, role ambiguity, personal transformation, and collaboration with formal interventions. By giving a voice to these often-overlooked supporters, this study provides a more comprehensive understanding of crime desistance. The findings aim to refine theoretical models by integrating informal support, inform policies that acknowledge their role, and guide practitioners in fostering collaboration between formal and informal desistance agents. Ultimately, this research highlights the critical role of social support networks in offender rehabilitation and reintegration, emphasizing the need for strategies that extend beyond institutional interventions.