In Finland, supervised probationary freedom is the last stage of unconditional imprisonment before probation. This research focuses on convicts that have been released through supervised probationary freedom and how well they themselves feel that they are coping. This research also focuses on how supervised probationary freedom has supported the convicts in coping.

The theoretical framework of this research is partly based on the theory of the sense of coherence by Aaron Antonovsky (1979). According to his theory, comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness construct the sense of coherence and how an individual feels that he or she is able to cope with life. These three building blocks are in good interaction with each other when the sense of coherence is strong.

The qualitative research is based on theme interviews of six convicts who have been released through supervised probationary freedom. This material has been analysed with qualitative theory-based content analysis.

The interviewees were realistic and open in describing how they were coping. Based on the research results, the feeling of coping is the sum of many factors that support each other. Thus, the factors that construct the feeling of coping are intertwined. The best procedure in supporting a convict released through supervised probationary freedom is to prepare the probationary freedom individually, to establish the circumstances under which the probationary freedom is carried out, to build the every-day life on regular routines and to support and control the convict in a concrete manner. Regular every-day life, circumstances outside prison and support from other people were seen as the most important individual factors. Peer support was perceived as exceptionally important. According to the research results, experiences of supervised probationary freedom are positive. The motivation of the convict to be released and the significance of the transitional phase can be viewed as obvious in relation to whether he or she is susceptible to receiving support or to functioning in ways that enhance his or her integration into society during supervised probationary freedom.