About the Report

Download Report

This report synthesizes findings from recent evaluations of employment-focused reentry programs to inform the Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) Grants Evaluation. Building on a prior literature review of employment-focused reentry programs (Lacoe & Betesh, 2019), the PROWD Grants Evaluation synthesized recent evidence from rigorous research (randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs) published between 2018 and 2023 that examined impacts on recidivism, employment, and earnings. Key details from 31 publications, including peer-reviewed resources and gray literature, were systematically abstracted and analyzed.

In addition to reviewing rigorous evaluations, this synthesis drew from an expanded body of literature, including older publications and less rigorous program evaluations, implementation studies, and case studies to document reentry program implementation, including common service models, focal populations, differential access to treatment and differential effects by participant subgroups, the timing and continuity of services, partnerships, and peer mentoring.

Download this Summary (PDF)

Key Takeaways

• Seven of the 11 employment-focused reentry programs were associated with statistically significant positive effects on employment. Five of the eight interventions evaluated that measured earnings outcomes demonstrated statistically significant positive effects.
• Seven of the 11 employment-focused reentry programs were associated with statistically significant positive effects on employment. Five of the eight interventions evaluated that measured earnings outcomes demonstrated statistically significant positive effects.
• Only three of the 10 interventions evaluated in rigorous studies measuring recidivism showed statistically significant impacts.

Research Gaps

• Most studies reviewed do no capture measures of job quality or “under-the-table” work. Future research, where possible, should measure work in the informal labor market and aspects of job quality such as job stability, benefits, and the possibility of career advancement.
• Most studies reviewed do no capture measures of job quality or “under-the-table” work. Future research, where possible, should measure work in the informal labor market and aspects of job quality such as job stability, benefits, and the possibility of career advancement.
• There is a lack of rigorous evidence about the impacts of program implementation factors. Future research could include rigorous designs to test multiple versions of an intervention with different service components to discern the effects of individual services within comprehensive programs, thus enhancing our understanding of what drives program success.

Citation

Cortina, H., Maniola Allen, A., Lindquist, C., Stein, J., and Bellotti, J. (2024). Mathematica. Charting the Path to Employment After Incarceration: A Research Synthesis of Employment-Focused Reentry Programs. Chief Evaluation Office, U.S. Department of Labor.

Download Report   View Study Profile

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Chief Evaluation Office (CEO) sponsors independent evaluations and research, primarily conducted by external, third-party contractors in accordance with the Department of Labor Evaluation Policy and CEO’s research development process.