ABSTRACT
For those leaving prison, lack of employment often results in a return to prison, while gainful employment can lead to desistance from crime. Yet, people released from prison face numerous obstacles in securing employment, with discrimination resulting from having a criminal record being a significant obstacle. Other barriers include poor education and work history and a lack of social and financial capital. Further, pandemic coupled with the increasing use of automation has made entry-level jobs that were once readily available to this population even less available. This essay discusses the inequities in securing work for those leaving prison. It also provides a re-imagination of how the work experience could be improved for such justice-involved populations and offers recommendations to decrease inequity. Recommendations include training and education for 21st-century jobs that build on the skills and interests that incarcerated populations already possess. Other recommendations include assistance in job obtainment and retention after release from prison.
