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Women Parolees vs. Men Parolees
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Comparative Employment Program outcomes

Los Angeles County offices of The WorkPlace CA together enrolled
2,327 men and women on active parole with the State of California into a
job development employment program between 11/99 and 11/02. Of those
2,327 parolees, 1977 (85%) were men, (350) were women. Participation was
voluntary.

Men and women enrolled in about the same percentages
as they were represented into the general California prison population.

The program required completion of a preparatory one week workshop
before the parolee received job development services from the staff of
The WorkPlace CA.

61.8% of the men (1,223 of 1,977) successfully completed the workshop.
60% of the women (210 of 350) also were workshop completers.

82.8% of the men (1,013 of 1,223) who graduated the workshop were then
placed by job developers in unsubsidized jobs in the private sector. 80% of
the women graduates (168 of 210) were similarly placed in private sector
jobs. Follow-up for 180 days was begun, which allowed for 2nd and later
placements as needed of both men and women clients.

Men and women evidenced about the same ability
and willingness to enter (82.8% -- 80%) and retain employment.
Men achieved 80% job retention at 30 days, 55% at 90 days.
Women averaged 79% at 30 days, 56% at 90 days.

The largest differences were noted in wages. Men's entering wages
averaged $8.26/hr, women entered jobs at an average of $7.86/hr.
290 (of 1,013 placed) men achieved 180 days employment by 11/02, the
average wage at program exit was $8.53/hr. 67 women (of 168 placed)
reached 180 days in the same period, with average wages of $7.91/hr at
program exit. Interestingly, the 23 women still employed are outpacing
the wages of the 183 still employed -- $8.22/hr to $8.12/hr. Our work
with these clients is continuing.

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