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Targeting intensive job assistance to ex‐offenders by the nature of offense: Results from a randomized control trial

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  • Christopher R. Bollinger
  • Aaron Yelowitz

Abstract

As many as two‐thirds of newly‐released inmates will be arrested for a new offense within 3 years. This study evaluates the impact of job assistance on recidivism rates among ex‐offenders. The job assistance program, run though the private company America Works, uses a network of employers to place clients. Ex‐offenders were randomly assigned to intensive job assistance (treatment group) or the standard program (control group). The intensive program is meant to improve average work readiness for ex‐offenders. It reduces the likelihood of subsequent arrest among nonviolent ex‐offenders, but has little effect on violent ex‐offenders. The rearrest rate for nonviolent ex‐offenders in the treatment group was 19 percentage points lower than those in the control group. The rearrest rate for violent ex‐offenders in the treatment group was indistinguishable from those in the control group. We estimate benefits from intensive job assistance from averted crimes and find that they outweigh the $5,000 up‐front cost for nonviolent ex‐offenders.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher R. Bollinger & Aaron Yelowitz, 2021. "Targeting intensive job assistance to ex‐offenders by the nature of offense: Results from a randomized control trial," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 59(3), pages 1308-1327, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:59:y:2021:i:3:p:1308-1327
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.12984
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    JEL classification:

    • J48 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Particular Labor Markets; Public Policy

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