The Prisoner's Release: A Study of the Employment of Ex-Prisoners

This book evaluates the effectiveness of an active policy of finding suitable employment for men immediately on their release from prison. It discusses the historical development of prison after-care,the effectiveness of the Departments pre-release procedure,and the Apex project set up to examine the effectiveness of finding work for ex-prisoners. The study compares the outcomes for these men with a control group of over three hundred men randomly selected from the same prisons. It also examines the subsequent reconviction rates for the various groups of offenders and the possible use of computer techniques in the individualization of treatment. The author was particularly well qualified to discuss this subject,having worked in prisons for over three years and interviewing and talking to men after their release.

Format: Hardback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

For well over a century, society has grappled with the challenge of aiding prisoners upon their release from incarceration, yet a rigorous scientific evaluation of these efforts has been lacking. This groundbreaking book, originally published in 1974, shattered this tradition and emerged as the pioneering work in the United Kingdom to meticulously assess the merits of an active policy aimed at securing suitable employment for men immediately upon their release from prison.

The first part of the book delves into the historical evolution of prison aftercare, tracing its origins back to the nineteenth century and highlighting how, until the Second World War, the primary objective of aftercare was to facilitate the reintegration of ex-prisoners into the workforce. However, over time, the specific task of finding employment for ex-prisoners gradually shifted to become a peripheral responsibility entrusted to the Department of Employment. The effectiveness of the Department's pre-release procedures for prisoners is examined in detail.

The remainder of the book explores the captivating Apex project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to evaluate the efficacy of finding work for ex-prisoners. Apex's endeavors continued to evolve and expand, but the present study focuses on the initial five years when a random selection of over four hundred men from two London prisons was offered the services of a specialized employment agency. The outcomes for these men are compared with a control group of over three hundred men randomly selected from the same prisons.

This study sheds light on the broader demographic of prisoners and provides valuable insights into the varying attitudes towards accepting and rejecting employment services. It also underscores the significant efforts often required to secure suitable employment opportunities for prisoners. By examining the experiences of these individuals, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with reintegrating ex-offenders into society.

Weight: 750g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032572284