Justice and public safety strategies to improve employment outcomes
Justice strategies can improve employment outcomes by providing individuals with educational, skill building, and work readiness programs while they are incarcerated and helping them quickly find employment once they are released.
Individuals who are employed soon after returning from prison are less likely to recidivate and are better able to support their families.
How does employment affect economic mobility?
- Steady, high-quality employment reduces the likelihood of material hardship and improves outcomes for children. 1
Lack of income stemming from unstable employment can make it more difficult for parents to afford food, utilities, health care, and developmental opportunities for their children.
- Employment that pays a living wage, provides benefits, and provides employees with consistent, predictable scheduling helps produce economic stability for individuals and families. 2 3
At least one-third of households with a working adult experience material hardships, like being unable to afford enough to eat, stable housing, or medical care.
- Low-wage jobs with unpredictable schedules negatively impact adult mental health and family well-being. 4
The economic insecurity, parental stress, and disrupted family routines that result from low-quality employment decrease child well-being.
Categories of successful interventions
- Mentoring, counseling, and case management: Clinical and social supports that seek to address trauma, improve mental health, and increase general well-being
- Re-entry programs: Programs that help individuals returning from prison find housing, employment, and other support services
- Transitional jobs: Paid, temporary employment designed for individuals who have disconnected from school or work. Often include restorative justice programs, counseling, wraparound services, skill building, and GED services
Evidence-based interventions
| Intervention | Type | Category | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult reentry programs | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
| Adult vocational training | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
| Center for Employment Opportunities | Program |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
| Cognitive behavioral therapy for offenders | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
| Corrections-based adult basic and secondary education | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
| Goodwill Good Transitions Program | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) |
| Goodwill Industries | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) |
| Mentoring programs for delinquency | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
| Multisystemic therapy for juvenile offenders | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
| Rapid Employment and Development Initiative (READI) | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) |
| Roca | Program |
|
Promising (Third-highest tier) |
| Transitional Jobs | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
| Treatment for serious juvenile offenders | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |