Promote Workforce Strategies for Reintegrating Ex-Offenders

When formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into the community, they face a number of barriers to employment.  By providing ex-offenders with the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment, states can reduce recidivism.  Participation in comprehensive education and employment programming while incarcerated and a continued connection to education and employment services after release have been shown to reduce recidivism. [1] Using strategies such as progressive sanctions that hold ex-offenders accountable but that also keep them in the community connected to family and employment, can be just as effective, if not more effective, than a costly revocation. [2]  When ex-offenders are productively engaged in their communities, working and supporting their families, the community is safer and their families are more economically secure.