NCJ Number
78512
Date Published
1977
Length
116 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of a followup study of released youthful and adult offenders who had vocational training while incarcerated in six Ohio correctional facilities.
Abstract
Structured personal interviews were administered to 185 students by counselors and counselor managers of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission. Interview sites covered 15 cities and numerous rural towns in Ohio. Findings are reported on students' perceptions of their correctional vocational program, postrelease employment and educational experiences, and general problem areas encountered during the postrelease adjustment period. Major findings indicated that overall student impressions of the quality of correctional vocational training were favorable; unemployment rate for both youths and adults was high; few obtained a job in the same field or in a field highly related to the one for which they were trained; enrollment in an educational institution after release was low; and 'lack of job' and 'lack of money' were the two most frequently cited postrelease problems. Recommendations focus on improving the transition from a correctional facility to employment and education opportunities in the 'free world'. These include strengthening job placement, educational placement, and vocational guidance and counseling services; establishing a career education program; and providing a pre-employment training program to all offenders prior to release or parole. Study instruments are appended. Tabular data are provided. (ERIC abstract modified)