The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is one of the largest and best-known employment programs for the formerly incarcerated. It is one of four sites in the Enhanced Services for the Hard-to-Employ Demonstration and Evaluation Project, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Labor. MDRC conducted a random assignment evaluation of the program and found that it achieves a significant reduction in recidivism rates and a small improvement in several employment outcomes. The Cost-Benefit Analysis Unit drew on these evaluation results to determine if savings from lower recidivism rates and higher employment rates outweigh the costs of CEO.

Why This Project Matters

At a time when two-thirds of people released from prison are re-arrested and half are re-incarcerated within three years, investing in proven reentry programs can enhance public safety and cut costs. Yet there are few studies to help policymakers identify and support cost-effective reentry programs. Vera’s analysis will help fill this gap, providing information about the relative costs and benefits of an employment program for formerly incarcerated individuals.

For more information about cost-benefit analysis, contact tchiu@vera.org.