By Muriel van der AA, Operations Manager, Public Employment Service Brussels
To mitigate the risk of recidivism, smooth reintegration into society following a period of detention is crucial. Sustainable employment is a key factor in this process. Experts suggest that preparation for reintegration should begin on the first day of detention. Addressing the causes of criminal behavior through specialized services like substance abuse rehabilitation, deradicalization programs, psychological follow-up, and debt mediation is essential. Additionally, time in detention should be used productively to acquire skills for future employment.
Employment plays a crucial role in the successful reintegration of (ex-)detainees and is often a prerequisite for early or conditional release. In Belgium, a network of public and multidisciplinary private actors collaborates to support this reintegration process. Among these actors, Actiris, the Public Employment Service of the Brussels Capital Region, stands out by funding three private organizations dedicated to guiding detainees, ex-detainees and other justice impacted jobseekers towards employment
The funding is done through a call for proposals, which was first launched in 2016 for implementation over the period 2017-2021 and again in 2021 for 2022-2025. It aims for a comprehensive, integrated, and flexible guidance pathway for job seekers facing significant barriers to labor market entry due to specific circumstances. In addition to the above mentioned target group, the call also focused on three other target groups: illiterate individuals, people living in extreme poverty, and those with disabilities or other (psycho-)medical issues. Vulnerable individuals often belong to multiple of the 4 subgroups simultaneously and face various hindering factors such as social isolation, discrimination, debt due to their situation, and depression. The approach to addressing these phenomena differs per subgroup, as social service providers have developed expertise and a network of social actors around what can be considered the primary issues for each individual.
In reaction to the project call, prospective partners submitted detailed project proposals for the guidance of (only) one of 4 target groups, in which they had to demonstrate their expertise. Prospective partners submitted detailed project proposals in a template dossier with targeted questions and were carefully selected by an experienced selection committee. This committee evaluated the proposals based on relevance, quality of design, quality of execution, coherence, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Although each partner has a unique approach to a custom-made guidance trajectory for its chosen target group, Actiris demands that the process starts with a thorough analysis of the job seekers’ situation. The guidance should offer at least the following four stages, included in the trajectory depending on the beneficiary’s needs: addressing preconditions and/or barriers related to the target group’s issues, taking stock and developing the socio-professional project, developing tools for and promoting job searching, and following up with the person after securing a job/internship/placement/training/studies. All stages of the guidance are registered in the jobseekers’ digital file with Actiris by his or her caseworker.
Providing a guidance trajectory for justice-impacted job seekers requires knowledge of the penitentiary system and an understanding of the target audience’s situation, whether they are in or out of prison. Service providers must have a well-developed methodology taking into account the specific situation of this target group and must be flexible. They also need a robust network of social organizations that cater to the same target audience, such as providers of temporary housing post-release, mental health centers, debt mediators and rehabilitation centers.
It is crucial that the job goals of the job seekers are realistic, meaning they should be aware of the types of jobs where a criminal record might be a barrier, while also not unnecessarily discriminating against themselves when opportunities do exist. Our partner organizations prospect employers in view of placing their future clients and case workers know where to look first, often in critical sectors known for labor shortages or in social economy. It is illegal to demand a clean criminal record from a prospective employee unless explicitly permitted by law and so in some cases, caseworkers encourage their clients to assert their rights and inform employers about anti-discrimination laws, especially if the job or sector in question is not exempt. Unfortunately, the lack of flexibility for individuals on conditional release or with an electronic bracelet serves as a valid argument for some employers to reject them.
As mentioned before, Actiris has selected and contracted 3 experienced multidisciplinary organizations to provide guidance to a total of 400 justice impacted jobseekers per year. Two of these partners often begin personalized guidance within the prison (intra-muros) to prepare for early release, and continue this support post-release. The third organization focuses on providing intensive, individual guidance outside the prison (extra-muros), including to detainees under electronic monitoring or on penitentiary leave. This guidance frequently involves immersion in a real work environment, particularly in the construction sector, which is experiencing significant labor shortages in the region.
Even without considering their criminal record, the majority of the target group is significantly distanced from the labor market due to low educational levels, poor language & digital skills and a lack of understanding of workplace norms. It is not surprising that all 3 of our partners combine guidance with (vocational) training activities. During the process, when discussing the determination of a realistic career project, attention is given to any additional competencies that may need to be acquired. As clients – caseworkers encourage their clients- in view of increasing their chances on the job market- to develop soft (social-) skills or/and vocational skills, but also digital and language gaps are common obstacles being tackled. Often, there are some educational programs available in prison but sometimes prisoners prefer to spend their time in prison on paid work so they can start paying off their debts.
Enrolment in a training program (outside) or starting a job is an important condition for obtaining conditional release. Unfortunately, the timing of the court appearance must be right to take advantage of this. From our partners we learn that the unpredictability of the system, which is most likely due to the staff shortages courts and prisons are known for, is a major frustration for caseworkers and their clients. Frequent postponements often make it too late to enroll in the program or start the job on time. Additionally, caseworkers’ appointments for coaching clients in prison are often canceled due to a lack of available prison guards needed for the practical organization thereof.
However, despite the many challenges they face, we observe tremendous dedication and passion among the caseworkers involved in this project with our partners. Most of the people active on this project have been working with (former) detainees for over ten years.
Currently, Actiris is conducting an intermediary evaluation of the first 3 years of the partnership, and we can cautiously report an average employment outflow rate of just under 30% per year for this target group.
I do believe that through the combined efforts of Actiris and its private partners, (ex-)inmates are given a better chance in the job market and a successful reintegration into society.
Info: actiris.be
References
- Vlaams strategisch plan hulp- en dienstverlening aan gedetineerden en geïnterneerden 2020-2025
- Gedetineerden | Vocvo
- Justice-en-ligne
