NCJ Number
79732
Date Published
1980
Length
58 pages
Annotation
Findings and recommendations are presented from an assessment of a Kentucky Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA) on-the-job training program for ex-offenders.
Abstract
Data were collected on 171 ex-offenders who participated in the program from October 1977 to October 1979. The subjects were 108 ex-inmates and 63 probationers who had been released to supervision in 8 supervisory districts. The program is intended to serve ex-offenders who have been chronically unemployed, and data indicated that the program has served this target group. Social and demographic information was collected and analyzed to determine any relationships between participants' characteristics and positive and negative program outcomes. Only offender status and family ties were found to be related to program outcomes; probationers had more positive outcomes than ex-inmates, and participants with one or more dependents were more likely to have positive outcomes than those without dependents. Those who received higher than average hourly wages were also more likely to have positive outcomes. Clients who left the CETA job for employment in the same field as the CETA training were more likely to have positive outcomes. While a wide variety of positions are being offered to ex-offenders by the CETA employers, only a few of these employers retain the clients once the training period is over. Recommendations for improving the program include the securing of CETA job positions for ex-offenders which provide training for higher skill jobs and the coordination of job contracts with trained offenders ready to leave institutions. Tabular data and forms used in the program are provided, and the participating employers, job positions involved in the training, and the skill code numbers are listed.