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Abstract

She previously worked as a journalist in a national newspaper, and has an MA in Journalism, and an MA in Children's Literature.

Barriers to participation in vocational orientation programmes among prisoners

“…Previous research has shown that language barriers prevent foreign prisoners' equitable participation in prison activities (Atabay, 2009). A lack of information about the educational opportunities in a language they understand impedes the participation possibilities of this group (Westrheim & Manger, 2014). Our research strengthens these findings.…”

“…First time offenders and those with a short current sentence length are more likely to face informational hindrances than to be a participant. Previous research has shown that prisoners can face a lack of information about the available opportunities of vocational education in prison (O'Keeffe et al, 2007;Westrheim & Manger, 2014). It is possible that as time passes, prisoners become more aware of the possibilities for following vocational education, and that prisoners with various prison experiences are informed about the offer due to their previous stay.…”

“…There are only limited numbers of scholars who pay attention to the barriers to participation in vocational training that prisoners experience, and if they do so, mainly institutional barriers are examined. Examples are a lack of available staff and resources (O'Keeffe et al, 2007), a lack of integration between vocational training and prison work (Callan & Gardner, 2005;O'Keeffe et al, 2007), long waiting lists and getting no answer to their application (Westrheim & Manger, 2014). In addition, prisoners can face a lack of information about the available opportunities of vocational education in prison (O'Keeffe et al, 2007;Westrheim & Manger, 2014).…”

“…Future research can provide more insight into these aspects. -Furthermore, due to the low educational level of the prisoners (Behan, 2014;Social Exclusion Unit, 2002), it was necessary to develop an accessible and user-friendly questionnaire. In order to so, first specialists on clear language usage checked the survey instrument.…”

“…It is necessary that the education opportunities are pointed out and that information is given about how to apply (West, 1994). For foreign prisoners it is essential that information is given in an understandable language (Westrheim & Manger, 2014). Besides, cooperation between the educational providers responsible for the Dutch language courses and vocational training would be interesting.…”