NCJ Number
213433
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 38-40
Date Published
June 2005
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article identifies some of the barriers to ex-offender employment and describes how the Corcan Employment Services (CES) in Canada is assisting released offenders in addressing these barriers.
Abstract
When people are released from prison with the same skills, education, work ethic, and negative attitude with which they entered prison, there are many barriers to overcome, not just to succeed in the community, but also to prevent a return to prison. Job training, education, and improved social skills are the three main areas that must be developed if an ex-offender is to find satisfying employment. The cost of gaining these assets is high; for example, testing in the community for learning potential, strengths, and interests is $600; and the cost of an assessment for a learning disability is even higher. Often adult education upgrading programs are filled to capacity. CES is constantly reviewing existing resources that can assist in providing a more effective and efficient employment service for clients. CES assesses the individual's strengths, job readiness, motivation to work, and all available community resources. A workable plan is developed for each parolee; however, the key to success with a client is always the client's own motivation to change. The most successful clients are usually the ones who, through sheer will power and motivation, overcome barriers that initially seem insurmountable. Essentially, CES guides highly motivated parolees to those resources needed to achieve successful reintegration in the community. For many, this means a long-term commitment to develop employability through retraining and re-education.