Old North News

North Carolina is putting a spotlight on the challenges that older individuals face after leaving prison, especially regarding employment outcomes. Last year’s research on the employment prospects for older jobseekers in the state reveals a downward trend in job placement with age. Statistics from 2022 show that only 39% of individuals aged 40 or older found employment within a year of leaving prison, in contrast to 48% for those aged 30 to 40, and 51% for individuals 30 or younger.

Interestingly, the study highlights a paradox in reentry outcomes. While older jobseekers are less likely to secure employment, they also have lower recidivism rates compared to younger individuals. Data indicates that only 21% of those aged 40 and above returned to prison within a year of release. This figure increases to 27% for individuals aged 30 to 40 and 30% for those 30 and younger.

Finding employment is a well-known factor in reducing recidivism, yet it is not the sole determinant of successful reentry for former inmates. According to the research, "Middle-aged and retirement-aged individuals are, in general, less physically and socially active than younger people, and they are simultaneously less likely to engage in the workforce and less likely to engage in criminal activity than people in their 20s and 30s."

The analysis underlines the importance of recognizing the demographic differences in economic and criminal justice statistics. Aggregated data may obscure the distinct experiences of individuals across different life stages and societal roles. More detailed insights on post-prison outcomes, segmented by variables such as age, sex, and race, are available through the North Carolina Reentry Outcome Reporting System.

For additional information and data on employment outcomes after prison, refer to the North Carolina Reentry Outcome Reporting System at: https://analytics.nccommerce.com/NC-RORS/