NCJ Number
72084
Date Published
1976
Length
175 pages
Annotation
Results are reported from a study that examined the post-parole social functioning of first-felony offenders in Puerto Rico 5 years after having completed parole in 1970.
Abstract
A total of 57 cases were studied, all from the San Juan Judicial District. The sample was divided into categories of 'more' and 'less' satisfactory levels of social functioning on the basis of adjustment to family life and work. The research tested the null hypotheses to determine if the cohorts differed on 22 variables classified as demographic, family-related, work-income, criminal history, and attitudes. Eighteen variables supported the null hypotheses, while the following four rejected it at the .05 level: problems at home, annual income, morale, and attitudes toward the family. The corroboration of the importance of regular work and an adequate income for parolee adjustment points up the importance of preparing inmates for jobs accessible to them in the community. Efforts should also be made through legislation to eliminate major barriers to employment of ex-offenders. Further, correctional workers should develop a closer relationship with inmate families and neighborhoods in order to involve families in the rehabilitation process. Instruments used in the study and tabular data are appended. A bibliography (about 75 references) is provided.