Findings from The Transitional Jobs Reentry Demonstration (TJRD), commissioned by Joyce and conducted by MDRC in partnership with The Urban Institute and University of Michigan, were released with mixed results, indicating that more work is needed to ensure that these programs have the greatest positive impact. The study did not find a clear link between transitional jobs and increased long-term employment or reduced recidivism for former male prisoners, but it did yield some important insights. For example, men coming from prison have a high motivation to work. Transitional jobs programs created an important period of stability for participants in the weeks immediately following release and immediate earned income in tough economic times. The study also points to directions for further research.

“This new research expands our understanding about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to helping recently released prisoners transition from prison back to society. This is very important—not just in the field of transitional jobs but to our society as a whole, given the importance of successful reentry policy on public safety and on state budgets,” said Joyce president Ellen S. Alberding.

Click here to read Joyce's policy overview, and click here to read MDRC's executive summary of the research findings. Visit www.mdrc.org to download the full report.

Click here to download the National Transitional Jobs Network's overview on the study and next steps based on the research.