This report, published by MDRC, presents the final results of an evaluation of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), a New York City-based employment program for formerly incarcerated people. A Vera spin-off, CEO provides temporary jobs and other services to improve participants’ prospects in the labor market and reduce the odds that they will return to prison. Staff from Vera’s Cost Benefit Analysis Unit prepared the cost-benefit analysis presented in Chapter Four.

Correctional facilities throughout the United States are home to a growing number of older adults with extensive, costly medical needs. This report examines statutes related to the early release of geriatric inmates in 15 states and the District of Columbia and concludes that these provisions are rarely used, despite the potential of reduced costs at minimal risk to public safety. The author identifies factors that help explain the discrepancy and provides recommendations for addressing it.