Family dynamics post-reintegration-reincorporation: perspectives of ARN professionals on young ex combatants in Colombia

This article focuses on analyzing the family dimension of young ex-combatants in Colombia, with the purpose of unveiling their relationships and bonds. The interpretation is framed from the voice of those who implement public policy (Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization professionals). The research followed a qualitative method with an exploratory-descriptive approach, and highlights the logic of systemic, complex, and social constructionist paradigms. The results indicate that young ex-combatants prefer not to return to their places of origin for security reasons and due to fragmented family relationships, facing significant challenges in establishing solid emotional bonds. As conclusions, some families facilitate the association of young people with armed groups, and thus their life stories may motivate this decision. However, welcoming families facilitate the reestablishment of bonds, provide security, and encourage a successful life project away from illegal armed groups.