U.S. Department of Justice

Correctional Industries Initiative

As indicated by Schmitt & Warner, incarceration may work to improve an offender’s labor market prospects if the time in prison or jail has a rehabilitative effect and/or leads to the acquisition of additional education or training. In practice, Correctional Industries provides offenders a real-life work experience that helps them develop the skills needed to successfully compete in today’s job market. (Schmitt and Warner, Ex-Offenders and the Labor Market, Center for Economic and Policy Research, Washington, DC, 2010)

This Initiative serves as a catalyst to provide Industries staff and their stakeholders with the information, expertise, and capacity needed to identify relevant organizational priorities, establish strategic objectives, identify measurable goals and objectives, and create partnerships and respond to the reentry needs of the offender population. Additionally, the practitioners’ use of current labor market information helps them provide specialized services and programming that support the offender’s long-term attachment to the labor force.

Audience
  • Correctional Industries staff
  • Workforce Development Practitioners
  • Corrections Staff


Training
  • Correctional Industries Director’s Training (future dates TBD)
  • Offender Workforce Development Regional Training (future dates TBD)

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Recommended Reading

Date Title Type
2011
Document preview
Correctional Industries: A Working Solution [Satellite/Internet Broadcast]
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
Correctional Industry programs contribute to the successful reentry of offenders by providing a structured environment for participants to learn the skills needed to obtain and retain post-release employment. Guided by evidence-based practices, Correctional Industries distinguishes itself by providing services that make an impact in reducing inmate recidivism. See how they make a significant difference in the lives of the offender population they serve and hear from national experts, correctiona... Read More
WEB
2 computer disks; DVD-ROM (180 min.)
2010
Document preview
Ex-Offenders and the Labor Market
By Schmitt, John; Warner, Kris. Center for Economic and Policy Research (Washington, DC).
The authors use U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics data to show the negative impact of ex-offender unemployment on the U.S. economy. Sections following an executive summary are: introduction; estimating the size of the ex-offender population; the effects of imprisonment and felony conviction on subsequent employment and wages; estimating the impact of the ex-offender population on total employment and output; and conclusion. The unemployment of ex-prisoners resulted in a reduction in employment r... Read More
PDF
22 pages
2008
Document preview
Building Tomorrow's Workforce: An Effective Reentry Strategy [Satellite/Internet Broadcast held August 2008]
National Institute of Corrections Academy (Aurora, CO).
This program focuses on the history and benefits of correctional industries and ways to balance competing interests. Employment is a critical factor in successful reentry. Career assistance, life skills, and job training prior to release from jails or prisons increases the likelihood of success as individuals reenter the community. This, in conjunction with support from employers, social agencies, and faith-based community organizations, provides the foundation for individuals to remain in socie... Read More

2 DVDs (172 min) + 1 CD
2008
Document preview
Correctional Industries Buyers Guide
National Correctional Industries Association (Baltimore, MD).
This website provides links to products and services of interest to correctional industries. Items are organized by building/facilities, clothing/textiles, facility services, furniture, janitorial, manufacturing supplies, and manufacturing/equipment.... Read More
WEB
1 p.
2006
Document preview
Correctional Industries Preparing Inmates for Re-Entry: Recidivism & Post-Release
By Smith, Cindy J.; Bechtel, Jennifer; Patrick, Angie; Smith, Richard R.; Wilson-Gentry, Laura. National Institute of Justice (Washington, DC).
"This report summarizes the first national review of the recidivism and post-release effects of the Prison Industries Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP) engaging state prison inmates in private sector jobs since 1979" (p. 6). Sections following an executive summary are: abstract; introduction; methods; key findings and discussion regarding how PIECP participation increases post-release employment and reduces recidivism; and policy recommendations.... Read More
PDF
86 p.
2005
Document preview
Correctional Industries Programs for Adult Offenders in Prison: Estimates of Benefits and Costs
By Aos, Steve. Washington State Institute for Public Policy (Olympia, WA).
Results of a cost-benefit analysis of correctional industries programs are provided. Sections of this report are: research methods; research results; benefits and costs; and conclusion. "We find that correctional industries programs for adult offenders in prison can achieve a statistically significant reduction in recidivism rates, and that a reasonably priced program generates about $6.70 in benefits per dollar of cost (p. 2)."... Read More
PDF
2 p.
2008
Document preview
Correctional Industries: Teaching Offenders Job Skills and Work Ethics
Washington State Dept. of Corrections (Olympia, WA).
Operations of the Washington State Correctional Industries (CI) are highlighted. “Washington State Correctional Industries is a unique blend of business and government, using private industry tools and techniques to provide a public service … Thousands of offenders gain work experience and training as they produce high quality, competitively priced products, which translates into enormous benefits for taxpayers, the offenders who work and learn in CI, and for its customers” (p. 1). Sections comp... Read More
PDF
4 pages
2010
Document preview
Greening Corrections: People, Programs, and Practices
  • [Satellite/Internet Broadcast held July 14, 2010]
  • National Institute of Corrections Academy (Aurora, CO).
    This program seeks to increase environmental awareness among corrections professionals and focuses attention on the need to make correctional facilities more energy and resource efficient. This broadcast:
    • Explores the feasibility of introducing green collar job readiness training programs
    • Assesses correctional industries capability to adopt “green” practices
    • And identifies strategies to assess cost saving options for correctional agencies to operate “self sustaining” facilities and ... Read More
    VIDEO
    1 DVD (231 min.)
    2008
    Document preview
    Hearing on Federal Prison Industries -- Examining the Effects of Section 827 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008
    U.S. Congress. House of Representatives. Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
    The video webcast from the Hearing on Federal Prison Industries plus copies of the witnesses' testimony are available at this website. The critical need for the Federal Prison Industries (FPI) program is explained.... Read More
    WEB
    1 p.
    2009
    Document preview
    Innovative Reentry Strategies: The Emerging Role of Correctional Industries [Satellite/Internet Broadcast held October 7, 2009]
    National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
    This program focuses on presenting new reentry strategies and highlight specific programs around the country that reflect best practices. Imagine a reentry program that reduces recidivism, changes lives, and makes prisons and jails safer with little or no cost to taxpayers. Such a program has been around for decades. It is correctional industries, an effective model for preparing offenders for employment upon release. The elements of this strategy include skills certification, positive change, c... Read More
    VIDEO
    2 DVDs (157 min.) + 1 CD
    2011
    Document preview
    Ohio Penal Industries, November 16, 2011
    By Furderer, Darin. Correctional Institution Inspection Committee (CIIC) (Columbus, OH).
    Results from an evaluation of the Ohio Penal Industries (OPI) are presented. Sections of this report include: introduction; key findings; recommendations; OPI overview; OPI challenges; survey of other U.S. correctional industries; and conclusion. “Although OPI can generate revenue for the state and provide numerous opportunities for inmates to acquire knowledge and occupational traits, its potential is hindered due to various challenges, which include restraints placed on its bidding process, ne... Read More
    WEB
    36 pages
    2005
    Document preview
    Performance Audit of Pennsylvania Correctional Industries of the Department of Corrections
    Pennsylvania Dept. of the Auditor General (Harrisburg, PA).
    The effectiveness of Pennsylvania Correctional Industries (PCI), a state-run prison business, in planning efforts and managing operations is assessed, while identifying obstacles to mission statement fulfillment and operational efficiency. This audit is comprised of the following sections: results in brief (executive summary); introduction and background; objectives and methodology; seven findings and recommendations; and observation. Appendixes include: results of surveys of potential PCI cus... Read More
    PDF
    63 p.

    Available Training Opportunities

    • Starts Oct. 22, 2012 - Offender Employment Retention Specialist (OERS) Training
      The Offender Employment Retention Specialist Training (OERS) combines motivational interviewing techniques with cognitive behavioral principles to teach practitioners how to increase the offenders’ motivation for change while addressing the thoughts and feelings that negatively impact employment retention and successful reentry.
    • Available Online - Offender Workforce Development Specialist Partnership Training Program
      This training addresses numerous competencies, including career development theory and application, ethics training for the career development facilitator, and transition interventions for the offender population.
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