NCJ Number
213431
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 29-32
Date Published
June 2005
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study was part of a mid-term review of the implementation of Correctional Service Canada's community employment centers, which offer employment services to Federal offenders on conditional release.
Abstract
Offenders reported that they were most in need of interventions in the area of job-search techniques (27.3 percent), followed by resume preparation (26.2 percent), and computer skills (26.2 percent). These areas of need corresponded with the primary functions described by employment counselors at the centers. A total of 139 (out of the initial 255) offenders completed the 3-month followup questionnaire. More than two-thirds (69.1 percent) of them were employed, with 83 percent employed full-time. The average weekly salary was $513.80. Out of those who reported working, 88.3 percent indicated their salary met their basic needs, and 69.9 percent were satisfied with their income. Over one-half (51.1 percent) were employed in a semiskilled or unskilled labor job, and 26.6 percent were in skilled labor positions. Almost one-fifth (18.3 percent) reported working in an area related to training or work experience obtained during incarceration. Offenders reported feeling more confident about their ability to find and keep work after using the services of the centers. The 10 centers in the Atlantic and Prairie regions were involved in the study. Center employment counselors were surveyed about the services they offered and the characteristics of the offenders served. A 3-month followup questionnaire to 255 offenders asked them about employment outcomes. 1 table and 15 notes