Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Summer 5-31-2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Advisor

David B. Ross

Committee Member

John Flores

Keywords

Ban the Box; Conviction, Incarceration, and Recidivism; Disparate Impact; Human Resources and Negligent Hiring; Parole, Probation, and Ex-Offenders

Abstract

The Relationship Between Recidivism Rates and Post Release Employment. Richard Louis 2018: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Keywords: Ban the Box; Conviction, Incarceration, and Recidivism; Disparate Impact; Human Resources and Negligent Hiring; Parole, Probation, and Ex-Offenders

This applied dissertation was designed to study the relationship between recidivism rates and post release employment. This study utilized three survey instruments with human resource or hiring officers, probation or parole officers, and direct service providers as the respective participants. The survey instruments were distributed anonymously to each of the populations via Survey Monkey. The research study and data analysis were conducted in the fall semester of 2017. The researcher utilized Likert scale questions and one open ended question for all three survey populations. The researcher obtained the participation of 47 human resource or hiring officers, 124 probation or parole officers, and 83 direct service providers. The data revealed the critical issues viewed and in some cases shared by the survey populations in relation to the employment of formerly incarcerated individuals. The qualitative portion of the research study reinforced the challenges of employment for ex-offenders as well as highlighted additional insights as to solutions in reducing recidivism and increasing employment opportunities. The top themes in challenges to employment for ex-offenders were housing, educational credentials, and the need for mental health counseling. The recommendations for future research is provided to further examine the top themes identified throughout the study regarding recidivism and post release employment.

Share

COinS