A Systematic Narrative Review of Training Programs for Prisoners in the United States

Every year in the United States, a large number of ex-offenders are convicted of a new crime after their initial release. Although the national statistic for prison recidivism is debated, a study published in 2018 by the U.S Department of Justice reported that 83% of state prisoners released in 2005 across 30 states were arrested again at least once after their release (Alper, et al., 2018). Research exists on the cause of recidivism as well as strategies to reduce it (Schmitt, Warner, & Gupta, 2010; Koschman and Peterson, 2013). One factor that contributes to this high rate of recidivism is that many ex-inmates lack the career- and job-related skills needed to integrate back into society and obtain stable employment (Petersilia 2004). This suggests that there may be utility in providing a variety of skills-based training programs either during time in prison or immediately after release. However, currently there is limited cumulative knowledge about the types of training programs that exist for prisoners or the extent to which such programs are effective. Our research project aims to provide a comprehensive narrative review of the empirical research on training programs for prisoners in the United States. Findings will be informed by the results of the review and will include and overview of the type of job training offered (e.g., trade skills, interpersonal skills, resume building, job-related skills such as math, reading and writing), the extent to which such training programs have demonstrated positive effects, and the populations targeted (e.g., men, women, individuals in recovery from substance abuse). We will also examine if multi-component programs are associated with more positive outcomes and if program effectiveness varies by prisoner age, sex, type of offense and point in the correctional process that the training is administered (pre-prison, during prison, probation). We are currently in the process of conducting a systematic literature review focusing on peer-reviewed empirical articles that focus on the effectiveness of career- and job-related training for working age prisoners in the United States. To be included in the review, articles must include the evaluation of a training program designed for and delivered to prisoners in the United States. Through this literature review, we hope to inform future research and identify areas of high priority for improvement