NCJ Number
217400
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 46 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 32-42
Date Published
February 2007
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study explored the barriers to, and opportunities for, employment for sex offenders in England.
Abstract
The findings suggest there are few employment opportunities for sex offenders and many barriers. Primary barriers included deficits in education and skills and the availability of only low-paying employment. Some sex offenders were released on the condition that they not return to their home communities upon release, further exacerbating their employment challenges. Data further indicated that sex offenders used contacts in the community, family support, and sheer determination to overcome these barriers. Other findings indicated that half of the employers interviewed would not consider hiring a sex offender due to perceived risk to staff and potential negative staff reaction. Current criminal justice policies are not adequate in assisting sex offenders with employment and some policies even exacerbate the problem. In order for sex offenders to successfully reintegrate into the community, government must promote a more positive and socially inclusive approach to the management of sex offenders in the community. Participants comprised three groups: (1) sex offenders in custody and sex offenders in the community; (2) employers of sex offenders; and (3) probation service case managers. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 sex offenders, all of whom had been or were currently serving a prison sentence for a sexual offense. Sex offenders in custody discussed their experiences prior to conviction and their plans for employment. Sex offenders in the community discussed their experiences of employment following their release. Employer’s attitudes regarding the employment of sex offenders were measured via telephone interviews (N=10) and self-administered mailed questionnaires (N=60). Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 5 probation case managers and 17 other multi-agency professionals regarding their perceptions of sex offender employment opportunities and barriers as well as official policies and procedures. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to emerging themes. Notes, references