This study examines the relationship between post-release source of income and convictions for different types of crime. Longitudinal data from a sample of formerly incarcerated adults ( n = 10,879) released from Dutch prisons were used. Fixed effects models show that, compared with receiving social benefits, post-release employment is associated with a lower probability of convictions for crime in general, and for property crime. Persons who are not employed and do not receive benefits have a higher likelihood of conviction for any crime, property crime, and violent crime compared with those receiving social benefits. The magnitude of this positive relationship is stronger for those living alone, for women, and for persons older than 25. Results have implications for crime control policies.

This article provides an evaluation of the effectiveness of the “CoVa” cognitive skills training program. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare the known reoffending behavior of 2,229 CoVa participants with that of two control groups of offenders: (1) one formed using the inclusion criteria of the program, and (2) one formed using propensity score matching (PSM). Outcome measures included the prevalence, frequency, and impact of new, adjudicated crimes, with the impact defined as the combined severity of the offenses. Results indicated that the participants in the CoVa group were reconvicted less frequently than those in Control Group 1. Moreover, the impact of their recidivism was lower than the impact of those of Control Group 2. However, the effect sizes were very small, and no significant differences were found regarding reconviction prevalence. Explanations for the absence of (large) effects are discussed.