The Who?: Examining Who Benefits from In-Prison Vocational Training

• In Event: Prison Programs, Recidivism, and Desistance from Offending

Abstract

Prior research suggests that in-prison vocational training programs may achieve their primary goal of reducing recidivism. Yet, few studies consider if, and to what extent, the effect of vocational training varies by inmate characteristics. This disregard for potential treatment heterogeneity raises questions about whether vocational training is equally effective for all inmates. To address this research gap, I use a release cohort of Florida prisoners to examine whether the potential effect of vocational training on recidivism varies by inmate age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.

Author

• Jennifer M. Brown, Florida State University