During the 3 years of its operation, the program served 262 male prisoners. The average client was a 30-year-old black male with below average educational attainment and poor employment skills. Vocational counseling was provided on a voluntary basis by three counselors. Sessions were scheduled weekly for 6 months before client's release, more frequently immediately after release, and less often thereafter. Program involvement extended for up to 1 year after release. No difference was found between the subsequent employment history of the program participants and other prisoners, except that participants during the second year of operation had less difficulty finding a job. Significantly fewer participants were returned to prison within a year. The participants also experienced fewer living skills problems. Job history prior to incarceration was the best predictor of ex-offender employment. Jobs found after imprisonment were very similar to those held before incarceration. Prior prison commitments were also strongly related to postrelease employment. Prerelease programming, length of incarceration, and imprisonment itself were not related to ex-offender employment. Inability to find a job after release was more common than loss of work. Prior employment history and prior commitments were closely related to recidivism; however, participants may have understated their postrelease arrest rate. Programs providing jobs for ex-offenders are unlikely to lead to a reduction in criminal behavior, and vocational counseling programs are unlikely to affect either subsequent employment or criminal behavior. Prerelease programs, as operated in the Pennsylvania corrections system, are less beneficial than reported in other States. Program operations are illustrated through four case studies providing narratives of counseling sessions and summaries of activities. A codebook used in field surveys administered to 20 participants after release from prison is also included.