NCJ Number
152498
Date Published
1990
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes programs in the United States, England, and Europe that aim to address the employment and training needs of offenders and ex-offenders, based on the author's 5-week tour of programs to provide information to the Western Australia government and the public.
Abstract
The tour took place in 1989. Results revealed that the majority of offenders have little education and few skills and come from minority groups. Difficulties are encountered in placing offenders and ex-offenders into employment due to employer and community attitudes and the offender's skills levels. In addition, working relationships between government agencies and community groups who work with ex-offenders need improvement. In Europe extensive efforts are made to prevent offenders from entering the prison system; alternative sanctions have little or no focus on employment and training. Programs with particularly innovative and interesting ideas, content, and principles include the Free Venture Program for youthful offenders in California, the computer-based system of prerelease services in the New York State Department of Corrections, prison and probation officer training packages in the United Kingdom, a postrelease program called Pioneer Human Services in Seattle, and the neighborhood work project sponsored by the Vera Institute of New York. Program descriptions and contact information