Vocational Program Participation and Recidivism

• NCJ Number: 100491
• Author(s): S T DeBor
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 55 pages
• Corporate Author: Michigan Dept of Corrections
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Outcome Evaluation for Selected Academic and Vocational Education Programs, Report Number 3

Annotation

This Michigan study examines whether the likelihood and seriousness of recidivism is affected by the type, nature, and extent of the ex-offender's involvement in vocational training.

Abstract

A sample of 453 offenders who had been involved in vocational training for welding, automotive mechanics, or small engine repair between July 1, 1978, and June 1, 1980, was monitored for 1 year after being released into the community. The nature and extent of each subject's program involvement were determined from classroom files, and the frequency and seriousness of recidivism were identified from official records. There was no comparison group of nonparticipants. Summary statistics, joint frequency distributions, and the chi-square test of statitistical significance describe the sample characteristics and the relationship between vocational program involvement and recidivism. The number of hours in the program was the only measure significantly related to recidivism frequency, and then only for nonfelonious offenses. Program type, courses completed, and the method of course delivery had no discernible effects on recidivism. 4 references and tabular data.