NCJ Number
184115
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 31 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 1-41
Date Published
2000
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This literature review assesses the empirical status of the effectiveness of vocational education and employment programs for reducing recidivism among adult offenders; conclusions are based on systematic rankings of the methodological rigor of individual program evaluations.
Abstract
The analysis focused on evaluation research in vocational education/job training, community employment, and correctional industries. The analysis used the Maryland Scale for Scientific Rigor developed by researchers at the University of Maryland as the set of systematic criteria for ranking methodology and reaching conclusions abut program effectiveness. Results revealed that several types of programs are generally successful at reducing offender recidivism. These programs include vocational education, multi-component correctional industry, and community employment programs. However, the level of scientific merit of the studies was generally low. Thus, the pervasive lack of rigorous program evaluation in this area limits the kinds of conclusions possible and points toward a clear research agenda for providing better information on the effectiveness of vocational education and correctional work programs. Tables and 73 references (Author abstract modified)