In-Prison Vocational Training and Recidivism

• In Event: Predictors of Sentencing Decisions and the Effects of In-Prison Experiences

Abstract

Prior research generally concludes that in-prison vocational training programs achieve their primary goal of reducing recidivism. Yet, scholars agree most prior evaluations are methodologically weak. Specifically, few studies rigorously address selection effects, which can artificially inflate the association between vocational training and recidivism. To address this methodological issue, this study uses propensity score matching to examine the effects of vocational training on recidivism for a release cohort of Florida prisoners. Implications for research and policy as well as future research directions are discussed.

Author

• Jennifer M. Brown, Florida State University