D: Managing the Key Transition Period

2: Inmates would benefit from pre-release programs that enhance their job-seeking skills.

Most prisoners would benefit from vocational guidance and direct support in identifying employment opportunities matched to their skills and experience and then, aid in approaching these potential employers about jobs. Even those who have job skills and are motivated to change may lack some of the basic skills needed to secure employment. These skills, such as resume writing, interview protocol, completing job applications, and appointment scheduling, are necessary to find and secure employment. Job skills-enhancement programs coupled with transition planning and immediate employment opportunities have consistently improved the likelihood that a recently released individual will find and maintain gainful employment. [1]  

  1. Shawn Bushway, "Employment Dimensions of Re-Entry" (paper presented at The Urban Institute's Re-Entry Roundtable, Washington, DC, May 2003).

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