Women's Incarceration: Employment

Lukas Carpenter*, Ian Ridgeway, Farrah Fratt and Evan Brunette*, Reed College of Media, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505

Field (Broad Category): Communications/Journalism (Oral-Human Engagement) 

Student’s Major: Strategic Communications - AD/PR 

The research explores the ways pre-release programs and unemployment agencies can raise awareness and help women secure employment who have criminal records. The research was found primarily through three over-the-phone interviews with one interview conducted in person. It has been proven that formerly incarcerated women have difficulties finding employment after they serve their sentence. There is a stigma associated with people who have a criminal record that might interfere with these individuals to get hired. However, some organizations and companies are willing to help people who have been formerly incarcerated to find a job. These organizations do provide training and assistance to help these people secure a job giving them a second chance. The common themes found include that employers are willing to hire previously incarcerated individuals. Secondly, it was found that the service industry tries its best to be non-judgemental in the hiring process throughout. Employers state if someone has the desire and drive to work then they are fit for their company. The state is currently assisting in the rehabilitation of previously incarcerated individuals through changes in policy, including pre-release programs that assist women in securing a job after incarceration. 

Funding: 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: Capstone Course Within Department