Ex-offenders reentering the workforce.

Abstract

Approximately 650,000 individuals will be released from incarceration in state and federal prisons this year. However, little is known about the challenges ex-offenders face when they endeavor to reenter the workforce. The authors used consensual qualitative research methods to analyze data from 2 focus groups: one for male (n ϭ 6) and another for female (n ϭ 9) nonviolent felony offenders, all of whom were receiving services at day reporting centers, which offer a nonresidential form of community corrections. Attendees discussed their reentry experiences, and 11 domains were identified, encompassing ex-offenders' needs for education, training, and practical assistance; challenges in obtaining and maintaining a job; and available support, including personal networks and resources from the correctional system. Findings suggest that counseling professionals should attend to ex-offenders' social networks, including social aspects of the workplace, as such networks can offer support or represent a liability for individuals in transition. Substance abuse issues impact ex-offenders' social viability as well as their career-related reentry attempts. Finally, career development practitioners should understand the internal and external impacts of the stigma associated with incarceration.

Treating Drug Abuse and Addiction in the Criminal Justice System

“…On release from prison or jail, addicted persons will experience challenges to their sobriety through multiple stressors that increase their risk of relapsing to drug use. These include the stigma associated with being labeled an ex-offender, the need for housing and legitimate employment, stresses in re-unifying with family, and multiple requirements for criminal justice supervision 11,12…”

The Role of the Social Environment in Alcohol or Drug Relapse of Probationers Recently Released From Jail

“…Research also has shown that spouses, families, friends, and coworkers play a role in coping with incarceration and prisoner reentry, 9 and relationships may suffer as a result of substance use. 10,11 Other studies have found that unstable social networks, such as marriages or employment, were associated with drug relapses of parolees released from prison.…”

“Locked Up but Shouldn't Be Forgotten”: Basic Educational Training and Career Placement as Potential Tools for the Reintegration and Rehabilitation of Former Prisoners in Nigeria

“…Consequently, these individuals might be desperate to secure a means of sustenance, from which embarking on acquisitive crime cannot be ruled out. Additionally, securing employment by exprisoners upon their release could provide a stabilizing routine for them, occupying their time that might otherwise be devoted to illegal activities, boosting their confidence and selfesteem, keeping them responsive to an employer's behavioral demands, and providing them with a nonstigmatized social role (Alemagno & Dickie, 2005;Chartrand & Rose, 1996;Cronin, 2011;Shivy et al 2007).…”

“…While the impact of educational programs in facilitating postrelease employment and reducing recidivism cannot be overemphasized (see Alemagno & Dickie, 2005;Chartland & Rose, 1996;Cronin, 2011;Shivy et al, 2007), it should also be noted that not every type of employment has the same effect on recidivism. In fact, several research studies have suggested that higher wages are a more important factor in reducing recidivism (Bernstein & Ellen, 2000;Erisman & Contardo, 2005) than lower wages.…”