In 2013, more than 21,000 prisoners re-entered society from Georgia’s Department of Corrections. What can we do to ensure a smooth transition? How do we lower their odds of reoffending?
Jobs are a huge part of the answer. We know from research that former prisoners with jobs are less likely to go back to prison.
Many of these men and women are not strangers to the workforce. They held down jobs before they were incarcerated. They actively want and seek legal, stable employment. Clearly, it’s in everyone’s interest that they find it. But the pathway to gainful employment can be tricky.
Many have low levels of education. They also face employers unwilling to give them a chance. For many, it’s pointless to fill out applications that include criminal history questions. These tiny check boxes can send their applications right into the circular file.
While efforts to “ban the box” are spreading, more could be done to educate employers about its discriminatory impact. Candidates should have an opportunity to explain the nature of their crime, how long ago it was committed, and what they’ve learned from their experience.
How else can we give returning citizens a fair shot at succeeding, while keeping the public safe?
Research points to programs that develop employment and educational skills as well as on-the-job training. Such in-prison services have been shown to reduce recidivism and improve the chances of securing and retaining jobs upon release. Georgia’s Prison Industries Enhancement Certification Program aims to provide a realistic work environment in which prisoners can develop marketable job skills.
Similarly, work release programs, where men and women live in a correctional facility but work in the community, can bridge workforce entry.
Such programs represent good investments in preventing recidivism, but on their own, they are unlikely to have a big impact. Preparing for a job, even getting hired, often is not enough. Research underscores the importance of sufficient wages and directs our focus to not just job acquisition, but job retention.
Former prisoners who earned less than $7 per hour were twice as likely to return to prison as those who earned $10 an hour or more. This makes sense. We know the vast majority of offenders don’t pursue illegal activities on a full-time basis; most hold down some type of legal job. But if jobs don’t provide living wages, the temptation toward law-breaking is likely to be strong.
Keeping a job is arguably more important than finding one in the first place. Offering not just job skills, but life skills to returning prisoners, is critical. Learning the importance of being prompt, following instructions and communicating effectively are skills that increase job retention.
Georgia is making strides in re-entry, due in part to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Transition, Support and Reentry, led by Jay Neal. The Peach State and others are beginning to understand that successful integration benefits not just the prisoner, but everyone.
Nancy G. La Vigne is director of the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center.
