Work Release Study Release Program

After conducting a comprehensive literature search, the authors undertook a meta-analysis to examine the association between correctional education and reductions in recidivism, improvements in employment after release from prison, and other outcomes. The study finds that receiving correctional education while incarcerated reduces inmates' risk of recidivating and may improve their odds of obtaining employment after release from prison.

Vol. for 1970 includes trends for first five years of program.

Assesses the effectiveness of correctional education for both incarcerated adults and juveniles, presents the results of a survey of U.S. state correctional education directors, and offers recommendations for improving correctional education.

The policy implications of this research are that the expansion of the use of prison-based work release programs can have a positive impact on reducing the overall recidivism rates of release prisoners and can significantly improve their post-prison employment potential.