NCJ Number
70893
Date Published
1980
Length
79 pages
Annotation
Results are reported from an evaluation of training for staff and volunteers of Virginia's Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) program, which is designed to help improve offenders' job skills and job placement.
Abstract
The primary objective of the project was to train OAR staff and volunteers in employment training techniques for use with offenders. Overriding this 1-year objective, however, is the long-term goal of implanting into each OAR program the ongoing capacity for a permanent offender employment training program. Project objectives were accomplished primarily through a series of training workshops. Evaluation focused on workshop effectiveness and outcomes: participants' implementation of workshop-acquired skills with local site staff, volunteers, and offenders. Observation by the evaluator, questionnaires, and interviews provide the bulk of the evaluative information. The evaluator obtained information from trainers and participants and following each workshop. Overall, the project was a success, with certain qualifications. Notable weaknesses in the project were the trainers' roles and the role of the funding agency. Had these inputs been stronger, project outcome would have been improved. The report recommends that support continue for local OAR programs as they implement and eventually institutionalize the training program demonstrated. Evaluation instruments are appended; tabular data and footnotes are provided.