NCJ Number
11866
Date Published
1971
Length
9 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION OF A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO AID SELECTED INMATES NEARING RELEASE TO MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM PRISON TO COMMUNITY LIFE.
Abstract
GRADUAL MOVEMENT FROM PRISON TO FREEDOM HELPS PEOPLE GET USED TO RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMUNITY LIVING. WORK-PASS IS A PROGRAM THAT PERMITS CAREFULLY SCREENED OFFENDERS TO WORK AT JOBS IN THE COMMUNITY WHILE SPENDING THEIR NONWORKING HOURS IN INSTITUTIONAL CUSTODY. THE WORK-PASS PROGRAM HELPS THE INMATE BUILD THE SELF-CONFIDENCE HE NEEDS AND TO EARN MONEY TO HELP SUPPORT DEPENDENTS, PAY DEBTS AND ACCUMULATE SAVINGS FOR THE DAY OF PAROLE OR DISCHARGE. HIS SUCCESS WITH THE PROGRAM INDICATES HIS ABILITY TO ADJUST TO NORMAL EMPLOYMENT, AND HELPS DETERMINE HIS PAROLABILITY. THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND EMPLOYERS FEEL THAT THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL TO DATE. INMATE PARTICIPANTS HAVE LEARNED ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND STABLE WORK HABITS AND HAVE HAD INCREASED FEELINGS OF SELF-WORTH AND HOPEFULNESS. THE REPORT INCLUDES ALL RELEVANT STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF THE PROGRAM (1966 AND 1967). (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)