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The report summarizes the evidence on program models for serving justice-involved adults and young adults through connection to employment, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and case management services. The primary evidence of the effectiveness of these models comes from a review of experimental and quasi-experimental impact evaluations. Information about factors that may contribute to the successful implementation of the models comes from a review of outcome evaluations and implementation studies. This report closes with a summary of gaps in the knowledge base and an assessment of the potential contributions of the ongoing Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) evaluation to narrowing these gaps.

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Key Takeaways

• Most prior studies of adult employment reentry programs do not consistently show effects due to variation in program models, implementation quality, and study designs.
• Reentry programs specifically tailored to young adults often include job training or employment support, but evidence of employment impacts is limited.
• CBT interventions reduce recidivism for justice-involved adults, but impacts on young adults and on employment outcomes are unknown.
• The ongoing REO evaluation (2017-2022) has the potential to provide evidence on strategies to reduce recidivism and increase employment for justice-involved individuals.

Citation

Lacoe, J., Betesh, H. (2010). Mathematica. Supporting Reentry Employment and Success: A Summary of the Evidence for Adults and Young Adults. Chief Evaluation Office, U.S. Department of Labor.

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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.