Probation and Parole Agents' Supportive Communication Regarding Employment and its Effect on Female Offenders

• In Event: Identity Transformation and Resource Availability for Women Offenders

Abstract

Labor market participation facilitates successful re-entry by promoting crime desistence and lower levels of recidivism. Though the job search process can be discouraging for women on probation and parole, probation and parole agents often act as a source of support for their clients. Using semi-structured interviews with a sample of 388 women on probation and parole, this study investigates types of supportive communication used by parole and probation agents, as well as the perceived valence of those messages. Findings show that informational support was the most frequent form of supportive communication used by agents, and the vast majority of supportive communications were perceived positively by their clients. These messages most often produced positive psychological effects. The results of this work have direct implications regarding effective types of support offered by probation and parole agents as they discuss issues of employment and job attainment.

Authors

• Ariel L. Roddy, Michigan State University

• Elizabeth A. Adams, Michigan State University

• Merry Morash, Michigan State University

• Sandi W. Smith, Michigan State University

• Amanda J. Holmstrom, Michigan State University