NCJ Number
90382
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 46 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1983) Pages: 42-48
Date Published
1983
Length
7 pages
Annotation
An assessment of 296 black male ex-felons applying for entry into the Community Acceptance Program (CAP) in Birmingham, Ala., found that 6 factors were significant for clients' success.
Abstract
CAP is a job placement assistance program. It provides supportive services and both preemployment and on-the-job training. The frequency distribution of client and nonclient characteristics was examined, as were the characteristics of program successes and failures. Discriminant analysis was used to determine the canonical discriminant function coefficients of the variables influencing program outcome. These coefficients were then used to evaluate the screening process. Out of the 113 black males accepted into CAP, 69 succeeded in completing the program. The six factors significant in making them successful were being older than the older clients, earning a lower hourly wage prior to conviction, having a greater number of months until expiration of sentence, being sentenced to a shorter term, being a repeat offender, and having a greater income per family member. The program failures possessed characteristics more closely resembling those of persons screened from entry. CAP's success is probably accounted for by both potential clients' self-screening (declining entry into the program) and the screening conducted by CAP staff. All programs receiving public funds should consider the development and use of screening instruments when resources are tight and the number of clients must be limited. Tables, footnotes, and about 40 references are supplied.