NCJ Number
188122
Date Published
December 2000
Length
114 pages
Annotation
This report examines the findings of two innovative British probation-based employment and training schemes, ASSET in London and Springboard in Surrey.
Abstract
The schemes, established in the spring of 1997, both involved advice and guidance, training, work placements, mentoring, and the provision of employment opportunities. Traditionally, probation-based initiatives have only managed to access a small proportion of offenders, despite high levels of unemployment among the target population. The two schemes assessed aimed to bridge this gap. The evaluations of the two schemes covered a 30-year period, and they were undertaken as two separate but complementary exercises. A common research design for both sites was used. For both programs, databases were established on those who participated in the programs; interviews were conducted with project staff and management, referring probation officers, professionals from link organizations, and with participating offenders. The findings presented in this report cover the period April 1997 to March 2000. Offenders were favorable toward both programs. They found guidance workers to be supportive, and believed the help they received had a positive effect on their attitude toward employment and training. Similar numbers from both projects reoffended (43 percent and 45 percent), leading to a conviction within 1 year of having contact with the programs. Difficulties in obtaining longer term monitoring data made it difficult to draw firm conclusions about whether offenders sustained employment or training outcomes; however, the situation for both schemes improved in the third year. Recommendations are offered for those planning to establish similar programs. Extensive tables and figures and 29 references