Outcome Scores Among Released Prisoners Who Participated in Prison-Based “Employment World” Programs

• In Event: Prison Based Programming and Outcomes in Reentry

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness of prisoner rehabilitation is often evaluated solely on recidivism rates. However, this narrow focus may overlook potential benefits that contribute to a successful societal reintegration. This study explores these overlooked dimensions using an employment training program offered by the Israel Prison Service as its focus.
Methods: Propensity score matching was employed to compare outcomes between program participants and nonparticipants. The examined outcomes included recidivism, employment, income, taxpaying, and welfare service engagement.
Findings: While recidivism rates were not significantly impacted, the program showed promising results in other aspects. Participants showed improved employment stability, earned higher incomes, were more engaged in taxpaying, and utilized welfare services more frequently.
Discussion: This study suggests that assessing rehabilitation effectiveness requires a broader, multi-faceted approach. Although some limitations exist, the study demonstrates that employment training can enhance reintegration and foster desistance from crime. It encourages further research into wider outcome measures to develop more holistic rehabilitation strategies.
 

Authors

• Efrat Shoham, Ashkelon Academic College

• Noam Haviv, John Jay College of Criminal Justice