Hiring and retaining formerly incarcerated persons: An employer-based perspective

Abstract

In this article we adopt an employer-based perspective on the reintegration of formerly incarcerated persons. Specifically, insights from interviews with 26 employers speak to their direct experiences in hiring and retaining formerly incarcerated persons. This article contributes to the literature on employment of formerly incarcerated persons by examining employers’ motivations, perceived benefits (as well as challenges once hired), and factors critical to the successful hiring and retention of formerly incarcerated persons. We also identify ways in which employers may provide a means for the psychological, legal, moral, and social rehabilitation (McNeill, 2012) of formerly incarcerated persons.

Keywords:

• Employment
• employment post-incarceration
• offender re-entry
• offender rehabilitation
• qualitative research