NCJ Number
211353
Date Published
2005
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This report compares the findings of two British surveys of inmates regarding their plans for employment, training, education, and housing after their release.
Abstract
Both the first survey (2001) and the second survey (2003) were conducted within the last 3 weeks prior to the inmates' release. The second survey was conducted in March and April 2003 and involved 1,945 prisoners. In addition to plans after release, the survey addressed related factors such as previous employment, qualifications, housing, and prison activities. This report compares the findings from the two surveys and identifies the main factors that influenced the nature of inmates' postrelease plans. There were no statistically significant changes between the two surveys of the proportion of inmates with employment, training, or education (ETE) arranged after release (30 percent for both surveys), as well as with arrangements of housing (67 percent in 2001 and 71 percent in 2003). Inmates in employment, training, or education programs in the 4 weeks before imprisonment were more likely to have arrangements for these areas upon release (59 percent) than those who were not in such prerelease programs (17 percent). Arrangements for housing and family visits to inmates were also both significantly related to ETE plans after release. The majority of ETE plans were arranged through family, friends, and/or personal contact in the community; agencies had greater involvement in ETE arrangements for inmates who had been unemployed prior to their imprisonment. Living in private or rented housing before custody, receiving family or partner visits, not having a drug problem prior to custody, and being in ETE programs in the 4 weeks before custody were significantly linked to having housing arranged after release. Inmates who received no visits during their imprisonment (31 percent) were less likely to have jobs or housing arranged upon release. 1 table, 2 figures, and 1 reference