NCJ Number
129141
Date Published
1987
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This report examines the issues of unemployment among offenders in Great Britain in relation to changes in the labor market and increases in levels of recorded crime.
Abstract
It argues that having a job is the most important factor in determining the successful resettlement of an offender in the community and the prevention of crime. However, rising unemployment, particularly in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods, and the development of self-employment and enterprise call for dramatic solutions to this problem. To date, MSC programs such as the Youth Training Scheme, Community Program, and Voluntary Projects Program have provided services to the unemployed including resettling offenders in the community. Training for self-employment and development of enterprise should be included in these programs and provided by Prison and Probation Services as well. Community programs could be improved by changing eligibility rules to include women offenders, ex-prisoners, and people in minority communities. Specific recommendations deal with funding and delivering a guaranteed range of activities for the long-term unemployed persons plus integration of the public, private, voluntary, and community sector in this endeavor. 6 references