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Enhanced Vocational Education and Training in Local Correctional Facilities: A Process Evaluation

NCJ Number
174062
Author(s)
J W Frees
Date Published
1994
Length
83 pages
Annotation
This study evaluates enhanced vocational education and training in local correctional facilities.
Abstract
The study evaluated education and training programs in: Hennepin County Department of Adult Corrections, Minneapolis, MN; Belnap County Department of Corrections, Laconia, NH; and Stafford County Department of Corrections, Dover, NH. The sites are at different stages in the development of comprehensive programs linking education, training and work experience within correctional facilities along with providing job placement assistance, follow-up counseling and other support services after release. The study suggests that local facilities should begin by building a base of comprehensive services within the facility that include drug and alcohol counseling; instruction in basic math and literacy skills, linked to GED preparation; a computer lab; classes in life skills and job seeking skills; and meaningful work experience. All three sites have work release programs and active private sector industries programs, but even the largest program can provide jobs for only a portion of potential participants. All three sites have pursued active business development efforts, but with only modest results. This suggests that the Federal Government might provide local jails with aggressive technical assistance in business development strategies, or that local jails can make productive use of work experience programs that simulate private sector employment. Notes, tables