NCJ Number
153049
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: 1-14
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined the extent to which 80 parolees who had either begun or completed prison education and jail work programs in New South Wales (Australia) found the experience to be useful.
Abstract
Standardized interviews conducted with the parolees covered prejail, jail, and postrelease employment and education, vocational guidance needs, and general demographic characteristics. The results showed that, from the parolees' perspective, educational course in prison had positive effects in terms of teaching them job-related skills and instilling self-esteem and confidence. While nearly three-quarters of the respondents believed that the jail programs would help them find suitable employment, there was no change in the quality of the parolees' work, most of which was unskilled labor. The respondents felt that the prison work release program helped in their resocialization process. The parolees also believed there was a lack of specific and more general vocational guidance. They also wanted more practical help in finding jobs and keeping them. 1 table and 26 references