Document Type
Report
Publication Date
6-2020
Abstract
This report presents quarterly data and evaluation updates for the Vocational and Life Skills Program (VLS) through Quarter Eight of Grant Cycle Three. VLS was created by Nebraska Legislative Bill 907 in 2014 with the purpose of reducing recidivism and increasing meaningful employment for individuals convicted of a crime in Nebraska. The report contains 1) descriptions of the eight funded organizations across the state, 2) a snapshot of participation, 3) demographics of the participants, and 4) participation breakdowns and descriptions of the skills participants are gaining through VLS programming.
The VLS initiative is evaluated by the Nebraska Center for Justice Research (NCJR) to identify the impact service providers and programming have in increasing meaningful employment. As part of the evaluation, NCJR provides trainings to support grantees as needed, and manages participant data in a data management system created specifically for VLS. NCJR provides feedback and information to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) regarding the implementation process and data updates on a monthly and quarterly basis. NCJR has collaborated with service providers to create individualized evaluation plans with manageable goals and is working to complete an overall evaluation of VLS during this grant cycle.
Due to changes in service provisions during the COVID-19 outbreak, all statistics in this report may be skewed from March through June 2020. In order to ensure the safety of participants, providers, NDCS/Parole/Probation staff, others involved in the VLS initiative, and the community, VLS held multiple meetings via videoconference to address necessary changes in programming and service. While some grantees paused or decreased program offerings to ensure safe social distancing late spring, an increase in food pantry services and employment readiness programming now in early summer. Providers have worked with all relevant agencies and organizations to ensure the provision of services continues as much as safely possible. Plans to modify programming during and after the community and facility changes have been submitted to NDCS and the evaluation team.
Recommended Citation
Nebraska Center for Justice Research, UNO; Towne, Katelynn; and Campagna, Michael, "Vocational and Life Skills Quarterly Report: Grant Cycle 3, Quarter 8 April-June 2020" (2020). Reports. 147.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/ncjrreports/147
Vocational & Life Skills Grant Cycle 3 Programs Funded