The value of occupational therapy intervention for the worker roles of forensic mental healthcare users in Cape Town, South Africa

BACKGROUND: There is a void in research that focuses on how OT programs facilitate self-esteem forensic mental healthcare users’ return-to-work the open labor market, particularly South Africa. OBJECTIVE: To explore experiences and perceptions of users, transitioning from an program to market. METHODS: Five individuals, diagnosed with Schizophrenia, two key informants participated this study was positioned qualitative paradigm, exploratory descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were used collect data. RESULTS: Theme one reflects challenges experienced by when returning work. describes various programs, as well they reintegration users into worker role. three positive support for setting, workplace, greater community. four participation occupation installs hope reinforcing value work, while positively influencing their work identity. CONCLUSION: The results revealed stigma, residual symptoms, relapse due substance abuse/mental health, lack family support, not be conducive skills development. However, friends, workplace occupational therapy assembly line therapeutic groups program, ensured reintegration.