Understanding Female Ex-Offender Re-Entry into the Workforce

Female ex-offenders face unique challenges in finding employment as they transition from prison to the community. This study utilized focus groups and interviews to understand the unique barriers female ex-offenders face in finding employment. Focus groups were conducted with about twenty-five female ex-offenders currently transitioning back into society and seeking employment. As a researcher I sought to give these women a voice to discuss their barriers, needs, expectations, and goals in regards to finding employment. Secondly, ten interviews were conducted with employers from a variety of industries to understand their expectations and attitudes when considering employment of ex-offenders. This action-oriented research aimed to bridge the gap between employers and ex-offenders and will be used for ex-offender program development and evaluation by local organizations