Life events and social services that have contributed to the vocational development of female offenders in community based programs

Abstract

Research has indicated there has been a substantial increase in the number of female offenders in the United States. Since many female offenders are first time offenders or non-violent offenders, research has indicated that they may be prime candidates for living in community based programs while they transition from the prison system to the community. The efficacy of community based programs is currently being researched. For this population, vocational development and opportunity have been identified as critical variables for successful transition into the community (Austin, Bloom & Donahue, 1992). This study provides a qualitative analysis of life events and social services that have contributed to the vocational development of female offenders in community based programs. Seven female offenders housed in a community based program were interviewed for this study.