NCJ Number
237186
Date Published
October 2007
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This report presents the features and outcomes of the Center for Employment Opportunities' (CEO's) transitional employment program for young adults (18-25 years old) upon their return from prison/jail, followed by placement in more permanent employment in the private sector.
Abstract
Early results from a random assignment evaluation of CEO, which was conducted as part of a larger study of hard-to-employ populations, show that CEO was linked to participants' significant reductions in felony convictions and returns to prison. The CEO finds jobs for people returning from prison and jail, which it believes will assist in providing the structure, confidence, and income necessary for them to lead productive lives. CEO began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1970s. The program evolved into CEO's signature work-experience program, the Neighborhood Work Project, which provides paid, time-limited employment. This effort is accompanied by services designed to place participants in full-time, unsubsidized employment. Follow-up occurs for a year after placement. During the transitional phase, which begins immediately after release from custody, crews provide maintenance, custodial services, landscaping, and light repair services for government agencies. CEO is paid for these services. Within this jog-related structure, participants experience what is involved in getting to work on time, taking direction from a supervisor, working steadily throughout the day, being appreciated as a contributing member of society, and communicating with supervisors and co-workers effectively and respectfully. After an average of 2 to 3 months of transitional work, CEO places participants in permanent jobs in industries such as food services, office services, retail, manufacturing, and customer service. Positions are usually entry level, but above minimum wage. Follow-up for 1 year includes helping participants stay employed, replace lost jobs, and find better jobs as they gain experience and skills. 1 figure and 8 references