[Articles] Atmospheres of Trust: Understanding Social Work in Swiss Prisons

19 March, 2026 Leave a comment
Martin Böhnel, Julia Emprechtinger and Marina Richter (2025)

Prisons are usually described as spaces of institutional mistrust. In an ethnographic study on social work in Swiss prisons, we experienced several moments when we felt that there was “trust in the air”. Inspired by phenomenological and post- humanist thinking, we take these moments as entry points to explore trust in prison. We aim to understand how atmospheres of trust emerge and how they affect the relational work between social workers and incarcerated people. For social work, it seems pivotal to acknowledge the affective power of material and immaterial elements to co-create together with (non-)human elements atmospheres of trust as a basis for relational work.

Keywords: social work, post-humanism, prison, atmospheres of trust

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[Articles] Young people transitioning from out of home care and youth justice. Exploring the experiences of “Dual Order” Care leavers in Victoria, Australia

31 December, 2014

This exploratory research examined the state care, education, youth justice and post-care experiences of 15 care leavers who were also involved in the youth justice system in Victoria, Australia. In-depth audiotaped interviews were conducted and later thematically analysed. Access to affordable housing and substance abuse treatment, and a meaningful relationship with at least one supportive adult characterised the lives of young people who had reduced or ceased their offending behaviour. Areas for future intervention and research are identified, including working with families, supporting education retention, and the need for better supported transitions from state care.

Author(s): Susan Baidawi, Philip Mendes, Pamela Snow

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