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The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) funded Evaluation of the Pathway Home Grant Program study was a result of the annual process to determine the Department’s research priorities for the upcoming year. It contributes to the labor evidence-base to inform Reentry and Employment and Training programs and policies and addresses Departmental strategic goals and priorities. In particular, the brief focuses on the first 20 Pathway Home grants awarded in 2020 and their experiences implementing their programs during the COVID-19 pandemic between January and December 2021.

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Key Takeaways

• Grantees that reported more established partnerships and stronger communication channels with correctional facilities appeared to be better positioned to implement their Pathway Home program during the COVID-19 pandemic, including conducting recruitment, obtaining referrals, and gaining access to the facilities.
• Grantees reported that early release policies at correctional facilities in response to COVID-19 hampered enrollment into the program and participation. Individuals were released early to reduce overcrowding, making them ineligible for the program or reducing their time in pre-release services. Grantees found it helpful to have a partner who would commit to providing timely information on release dates, such as someone in the correctional facility or the local prosecutor’s office.
• To address COVID-19-related restrictions, Pathway Home grantees and their correctional partners reported an expansion of technology in facilities such as providing participants with tablets and using DocuSign for paperwork, to improve the virtual outreach, intake, and enrollment processes.
• Staff turnover at both grantees and correctional facilities was reported to pose substantial implementation challenges, as did social distancing restrictions. Grantees reported modifying their office layouts and policies, and updating the occupational training courses they offered through the program to adhere to social distancing policies.
• Grantees reported that the strong labor market in 2021 increased the jobs available for participants and employers’ interest in Pathway Home programs (as a source of potential employees), but decreased participant interest related to training and employment services (because jobs were readily available). Grantees had to develop creative approaches to engaging participants, including providing incentives for participating in the program, and using social media to stay in contact with participants after release.

Citation

Sandoval, M., Rakibullah, S., Yanez, A. (2022). Mathematica. Issue Brief: Workforce Supports for the Reentry Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic. 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.