NCJ Number
195447
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2002 Pages: 3-6
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes a study of the role of offender employment in corrections.
Abstract
This research article discusses the role of offender employment upon conditional release as it relates to recidivism and/or rehabilitation, and the opportunities presented for intervention on different levels. The model used, derived from Andrew's personal-interpersonal-community-reinforcement perspective (PIC-R), based on theories of reasoned action and planned behavior, extends the predictions of criminal behavior from beliefs, attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention to include additional factors such as work attitudes. This research was undertaken primarily to gain an enhanced understanding of factors related to offender employment outcomes and the viability of this model in achieving that goal, in particular. The model, predictive results concerning employment outcomes for offenders during their first 6 months of release, and possibilities for developing and improving employment interventions for offenders are summarized in this article. It was found that intention and social support were consistent predictors of employment outcomes. The considerations of risk and need factors were found to be important contributors to employment outcomes. As this was the first comprehensive study of employment outcomes for offenders, the analysis and hypotheses were proposed at a general level.